An Italian belly dancer, Sohila Tarek Hassan Haggag, known by her stage name Linda Martino, has been arrested and detained in Egypt on charges of “using seductive techniques” and corrupting public morals.
Born in Egypt but a naturalised Italian citizen, Ms. Haggag was taken into custody at Cairo airport on June 22. Egyptian authorities say the investigation was sparked by videos posted on her Instagram account, where she dances provocatively in revealing clothing and describes herself as “more than you can handle.”
Officials accuse her of deliberately violating social values by appearing in “indecent clothing” and exposing sensitive parts of her body. At the time of her arrest, she was found carrying significant amounts of money, which authorities claim are proceeds from “activities liable to instigate depravity.”
The Cairo prosecutor charged Ms. Haggag with inciting vice through seductive dancing. Reports indicate she is expected to remain in jail for at least two more weeks while investigations continue.
The Italian embassy in Cairo has expressed concern and is urgently seeking clarification on her legal status and the charges she faces.
