Italian belly dancer arrested in Egypt for ‘using seductive techniques'
Sohila Tarek Hassan Haggag, a naturalised Italian born in Egypt, dances under the name of Linda Martino and has more than two million followers on social media.
Egyptian authorities arrested her at Cairo Airport on June 22, accusing her of corrupting public morals with her provocative dancing.
The investigation was triggered by videos on her Instagram account, in which she writhes around in revealing clothing and describes herself as 'more than you can handle'.
Investigators said Ms Haggag 'appeared in indecent clothing, deliberately exposing sensitive areas of the body, in blatant violation of social values'.
She was reported to be in possession of substantial sums of money at the time of her arrest, which authorities described as the proceeds of 'activities liable to instigate depravity'.
The Cairo prosecutor accused her of having 'used seductive techniques and provocative dances to incite vice'.
She is expected to remain in jail for at least another two weeks, according to reports.
The Italian Embassy in Cairo is seeking urgent clarification on her case.
Using techniques 'to incite vice'
Ms Haggag moved to Egypt several years ago and has built a highly successful career. She was previously married to an Italian and is said to have relatives in the Veneto region.
Her videos, often shot in popular venues to Egyptian hits, have attracted millions of views on Instagram and TikTok.
The indictments include investigations into a cabaret on Egypt's north coast, where Ms Haggag 'appeared in indecent clothing, deliberately exposing sensitive areas of her body, in clear violation of public morals and social values'.
'The investigations have ascertained that Linda used seduction techniques and provocative dances to incite vice,' the document read.
Egyptian crackdown
Egypt has clamped down on artists and influencers accused of undermining public morality in recent years.
Under the government of Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, at least five belly dancers have ended up in jail on charges similar to those against Ms Haggag, Italian media reported.
Katerina Andreeva, another belly dancer, has been given a one-year jail sentence on the same charges, Italian media reported.
The Egyptian crackdown comes despite efforts by Unesco to recognise belly dancing on its Lists of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Amie Sultan, an Egyptian actress and currently one of the country's best-known belly dancers, has been pushing to give belly dancing a better reputation in its country of origin.
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