Latest news with #LindaMartino
Hans India
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Egyptian-Italian Belly Dancer Sohila Tarek Haggag Arrested in Cairo Over Social Media Dance Videos
Egyptian-born Italian belly dancer Sohila Tarek Haggag, known as Linda Martino on Instagram, was arrested at Cairo Airport on June 22 for posting dance videos that authorities say were provocative and broke social norms. She has 2.2 million followers and was charged with inciting immorality through "seductive" dancing and wearing revealing clothes. At the time, she had a large amount of cash. The Italian embassy has asked for her release. Haggag moved back to Egypt after leaving Italy and built a successful career. She may stay in jail for at least two more weeks. Her case is part of a wider crackdown on online behavior under President Sisi. Other dancers have faced similar charges, and human rights groups have criticized Egypt's vague cyber laws, which can lead to jail for content seen as immoral.
Time of India
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Belly dancer Linda Martino arrested in Egypt over ‘immoral' Instagram posts as Italian embassy fights for her release
Sohila Tarek Hassan Haggag, known to her 2.2 million Instagram followers as Linda Martino, never imagined that her trip to Cairo would end in handcuffs. But that's exactly what happened on June 22, when she was arrested at Cairo International Airport for posting what authorities called 'morally corrupt' dance videos. For fans, it's shocking. For Egyptian officials, it's a matter of 'preserving values.' And for Linda, it's turned her art into a criminal charge. Linda Martino's dance videos sparked outrage Linda isn't your average influencer. She's a trained belly dancer, proudly showing off her routines online, often wearing traditional yet eye-catching costumes. But prosecutors allege that her content crosses the line. They say she used "seductive techniques" and deliberately revealed "sensitive areas of the body," calling it a clear violation of Egypt's public morality laws, according to iHeart. On her profile, Linda confidently describes herself as "more than you can handle." Egyptian authorities clearly took that literally. Dual citizen, double standards? Linda was born in Egypt but became an Italian citizen after marrying an Italian man. She later divorced and returned to Egypt to continue her dance career. Her arrest has drawn swift attention from the Italian embassy, which is now pushing for her release. Diplomats have raised concerns about her treatment and even compared it to past high-profile human rights issues involving Egypt. While Italy demands answers, Linda remains behind bars—possibly for at least two more weeks. An issue that runs deeper Unfortunately, Linda's story isn't unique. Egypt has become increasingly strict in recent years when it comes to what's considered 'immoral content.' Many women—including influencers and TikTok creators—have faced trials for simply sharing content that some might find too revealing or bold. Meanwhile, an update on Linda Martino's release is currently awaited. To stay updated on the stories that are going viral, follow Indiatimes Trending.
Toronto Sun
10-07-2025
- Toronto Sun
Italian belly dancer arrested in Egypt for offending public morals
Sohila Tarek Hassan Haggag, an Italian belly dancer who goes by Linda Martino, was arrested last week in Cairo for offending public morals. Photo by Linda Martino / Instagram While belly dancing has its roots in the Middle East, an Italian woman was accused of offending public morals and arrested by Egyptian authorities last month. Sohila Tarek Hassan Haggag, who belly dances under the name Linda Martino and is a social media influencer with more than 2.2 million Instagram followers, was arrested at the Cairo airport on her way to Dubai two weeks ago, according to Italian news service ANSA, citing a la Repubblica newspaper report. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Si fa chiamare Linda Martino, è una danzatrice del ventre, e in Egitto è una sorta di star. Linda è una cittadina italiana. Nata in Egitto, con parenti nel nostro Paese, in Veneto. Ha sposato un italiano e lei si è sempre definita "più italiana che egiziana". Da qualche settimana… — Repubblica (@repubblica) July 7, 2025 Haggag was born in Egypt but is a naturalized citizen after she married an Italian, the report said. However, the government in Cairo considers her an Egyptian. She has yet to have a court hearing. Haggag was accused of being in possession of large sums of money that authorities allege were from the proceeds of 'activities liable to instigate depravity.' The indictment said officials investigating a cabaret on Egypt's North Coast allege Haggag 'appeared in indecent clothing, deliberately exposing sensitive areas of her body, in clear violation of public morals and social values.' Read More They also accuse the sensual dancer of using 'seduction techniques and provocative dances to incite vice.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. According to the report, Haggag is one of several women arrested in Egypt in the past five years as the country cracks down on the cultural dance under the rule of President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, a retired military officer who has been in power since 2014. Another belly dancer, Katerina Andreeva, was sentenced to a year in prison with hard labour after she was charged with the same offences. RECOMMENDED VIDEO There has been a push among top belly dancers in the country to have the artform recognized as a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage art. Amie Sultan, an Egyptian actress who is also one of the country's best-known belly dancers, has led the push to have its reputation restored. 'In the interest of reclaiming a dying art form that belongs to this country's vast history and is being subjected to abuse and cultural appropriation, we have to confront the tragedy of losing artistic ownership, something that is part of the fabric of society,' Sultan wrote in lifestyle website Cairo Scene back in 2021. Toronto & GTA Toronto Blue Jays Celebrity NHL Golf
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Yahoo
Belly dancer arrested in Egypt over Instagram videos deemed 'morally corrupt' by authorities
An Italian belly dancer of Egyptian descent was arrested in her native country for "using seductive techniques," according to media reports. Sohila Tarek Hassan Haggag, a naturalized Italian citizen who was born in Egypt and holds Egyptian citizenship, was taken into police custody at the Cairo International Airport on June 22. She is accused of corrupting public morals with her provocative dancing, The Telegraph reported. Wife Of Boulder Firebombing Suspect Begs Americans For Help While Judge Delays Deportation The case against Haggag, who dances under the name Linda Martino, 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." She appeared "in indecent clothing, deliberately exposing sensitive areas of the body, in blatant violation of social values," according to investigators. Abrego Garcia Says He Endured Beatings, Torture In Salvadoran Prison Ahead Of Criminal Trial Read On The Fox News App Prosecutors in Cairo said she "used seductive techniques and provocative dances to incite vice." During her arrest, she was found with a "substantial" amount of money, the news report said. The Italian embassy in Cairo was seeking her release. Click To Get The Fox News App Haggag is supposed to remain in jail for at least two more weeks. She reportedly moved back to Egypt several years ago, where she built her successful career. She was previously married to an Italian, the report said. In recent years, Egypt has clamped down on activities deemed morally questionable. Five belly dancers have been jailed under president Abdel Fattah al-Sisi on charges similar to those against Haggag, Italian media article source: Belly dancer arrested in Egypt over Instagram videos deemed 'morally corrupt' by authorities
Fox News
09-07-2025
- Fox News
Belly dancer arrested in Egypt over Instagram videos deemed 'morally corrupt' by authorities
An Italian belly dancer of Egyptian descent was arrested in her native country for "using seductive techniques," according to media reports. Sohila Tarek Hassan Haggag, a naturalized Italian citizen who was born in Egypt and holds Egyptian citizenship, was taken into police custody at the Cairo International Airport on June 22. She is accused of corrupting public morals with her provocative dancing, The Telegraph reported. The case against Haggag, who dances under the name Linda Martino, 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." She appeared "in indecent clothing, deliberately exposing sensitive areas of the body, in blatant violation of social values," according to investigators. Prosecutors in Cairo said she "used seductive techniques and provocative dances to incite vice." During her arrest, she was found with a "substantial" amount of money, the news report said. The Italian embassy in Cairo was seeking her release. Haggag is supposed to remain in jail for at least two more weeks. She reportedly moved back to Egypt several years ago, where she built her successful career. She was previously married to an Italian, the report said. In recent years, Egypt has clamped down on activities deemed morally questionable. Five belly dancers have been jailed under president Abdel Fattah al-Sisi on charges similar to those against Haggag, Italian media reported.
