Egyptian TikToker sentenced to 3 years in prison for cross-dressing

Egypt Independent

01-06-2025

An Egyptian court sentenced the famous Egyptian TikToker Zain al-Zein and his friend to three years in prison over charges of wearing women's make-up and clothing, RT reported on Saturday.
The ruling by the Ismailia Economic Court on Saturday said that the main defendant had posted indecent videos on the social media site TikTok.
The case began in mid-March, when security authorities in the Sinai city of Dahab, during Ramadan, spotted a group of individuals wearing women's clothing and behaving oddly. They were returning by bus from a trip to the city's beach.
According to security sources, al-Zein and his friend were suspected of being part of this group, and were found to be wearing women's clothing and makeup, prompting authorities to detain them for investigation.
The defendants were referred to the Public Prosecution, which immediately began investigations.
They found that al-Zein, who has a large fan base on TikTok, had been posting videos of himself cross-dressing as a woman and dancing inappropriately, which the prosecution deemed 'contrary to public morals' and 'inciting debauchery.'
The defendants were also examined by forensic doctors to confirm their identities and behavior, and their mobile phones were confiscated.
During the investigation, al-Zein defended himself, asserting that the videos were intended to entertain and attract followers, and had no intention of violating societal values.
The prosecution cited the 2018 Anti-Cybercrime Law, which criminalizes the publication of content deemed 'contrary to Egyptian family values ​​and principles,' as well as articles related to incitement to debauchery.
This case comes within the context of a broader campaign by Egyptian authorities against content creators and those who challenge societal norms on social media platforms, particularly women and those perceived to be challenging traditional values.
These include the cases of TikToker Haneen Hossam and Mawada al-Adham, who were sentenced to prison on charges related to 'violating family values' and 'human trafficking,' before their sentences were later commuted.