Model Salma Alseimi was arrested after taking photos in front of the Egyptian pyramids. Photo by Instagram
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Seul-gi] A photographer and a model who took photos wearing revealing outfits in front of the Egyptian pyramids were arrested.
On the 1st (local time), according to British media The Guardian, model Salma Al-Simi (26) took photos near the Saqqara archaeological site, about 32 kilometers south of Cairo, the capital of Egypt, dressed in ancient Egyptian costumes and imitating a dancer.
The media reported that Al-Simi wore a white dress that exposed her shoulders and legs and highlighted the curves of her body while shooting near the approximately 4,700-year-old Pyramid of Djoser.
Subsequently, Al-Simi faced public backlash locally for sexually expressing the archaeologically valuable pyramid and the Pharaoh's attire.
On the same day, Egyptian media such as the Egypt Independent reported that not only Al-Simi but also the photographer Hussam Muhammad who conducted the shoot were arrested on charges of violating Egyptian law.
In response, Al-Simi and Muhammad claimed that they had previously consulted with the officials in charge to conduct the shoot on site, prompting the police to launch an investigation.
They stated that they paid 1,500 Egyptian pounds (about 100,000 KRW) to the officials as a fee for permission to shoot and that on-site staff accompanied them during the shoot.
Local police reportedly secured statements from six officials responsible for managing the Saqqara archaeological site and are working to identify the staff who allowed access.
Meanwhile, the pyramid featured in the background of the photos is the Step Pyramid of King Djoser, Egypt's first pyramid, located within the Saqqara archaeological site near Cairo.
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