Egyptian Supermodel Arrested for Alleged 'Obscene' Photoshoot in Front of Pyramid

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Last Updated:December 10, 2020, 10:34 IST

An Egyptian fashion model and Instagram influencer, Salma al-Shimi, was arrested and released on bail later. Egyptian authorities released a photographer and a model after they were detained following a photoshoot deemed inappropriate at the Pyramid of Djoser outside Cairo.

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An Egyptian fashion model and Instagram influencer, Salma al-Shimi, was arrested and released on bail later. Egyptian authorities released a photographer and a model after they were detained following a photoshoot deemed inappropriate at the Pyramid of Djoser outside Cairo. (Image: Instagram)

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Photographer Houssam Mohammed and model Salma al-Shimi were arrested and referred to the prosecution after the shoot at the Saqqara necropolis, 30 kilometres (20 miles) south of Cairo, in which Shimi appeared in ancient Egyptian costume. (Image: Instagram)

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Shimi, who boasts thousands of followers on Instagram, had posted photographs In December first week at the foot of the 4,700-year-old Step Pyramid of Djoser. (Image: Instagram)

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Rumours quickly spread that she had been detained for wearing outfits that betrayed Egypt's ancient heritage and had broken the rules set by the antiquities ministry for photoshoots. (Image: Instagram)

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The judicial source said the pair were accused of "taking photos without authorisation in the Saqqara archaeological site" and released on bail of 500 Egyptian pounds ($32) each pending the results of an investigation. (Image: Instagram)

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According to a statement on the tourism ministry's Facebook page, Mostafa Waziri, secretary-general of Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities, had asked for the matter to be referred to the prosecutor, deeming the photos "inappropriate". (Image: Instagram)

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"All those found guilty of harming archaeological sites and Egyptian civilisation will be punished," Waziri was quoted as saying in the statement. (Image: Instagram)

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The matter has sparked controversy on social media, with some users expressing disbelief and outrage. (Image: Instagram)

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In recent months, Egyptian courts have handed down jail sentences against a dozen social media influencers for sharing content judges deemed offensive. (Image: Instagram)

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Salma was arrested along with her photographer, Houssa Mohammed, soon after her photographs of herself dressed in an ancient pharaoh-like costume, posing in front of several monuments at the Saqqara necropolis went viral on Social media. (Image: Instagram)

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Al-Shimi said in the court that she was not aware that taking photographs without permission was forbidden at the ancient site, and she had no intention to degrade Egyptian culture, but to promote tourism. (Image: Instagram)

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