Egyptian TikTok influencer Hanin Hosam (20). Photo by Hanin Hosam, TikTok capture
[Asia Economy Reporter Hana Na] Egyptian women who were imprisoned in India for posting videos of themselves talking to strange men or dancing on social media are now being investigated on human trafficking charges.
According to Egyptian Street on the 16th (local time), the Egyptian prosecution ordered an investigation into human trafficking charges against two women, Hanin Hosam (20) and Mawada Eladhom (22). Additionally, the Cairo Northern Court extended their detention for 15 days.
After an appellate trial, the women were expected to be released after being cleared of charges such as 'violating family values' and 'promoting obscenity,' but they will now be held for at least another half month for investigation.
These two women are influencers active on the video-sharing application 'TikTok.'
They posted videos on TikTok showing scenes such as applying makeup in a car, dancing in the kitchen, and joking with unfamiliar men.
Egyptian authorities arrested and prosecuted them on the grounds that they damaged traditional family values, and in July last year, the Cairo Economic Court sentenced the two women to two years in prison and a fine of 300,000 Egyptian pounds (approximately 21 million KRW) each.
However, the court accepted an appeal arguing that the punishment was excessive, and they were soon expected to be released.
In response, the prosecution ordered a reinvestigation, claiming that they used social media accounts to lure young women and published inappropriate video content.
Previously, in Egypt, about ten women have been arrested and prosecuted in recent years on similar charges.
Women’s rights groups and human rights advocates criticized these government actions as a witch hunt.
Nevertheless, some Egyptian lawmakers proposed to the government a ban on TikTok usage, citing reasons of promoting exposure and immorality.
Entesar El-Sayed, director of the Cairo Development Law Foundation, pointed out, "Many Egyptians are unable to adapt to the social changes brought by new technology," adding, "Posting videos on social media is pure freedom of expression, but society has not yet fully understood the changes that cause a completely different environment and mindset."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
