Thursday March 28th, 2024
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Safinaz Gets 6 Months in Jail for Egypt Flag Costume

The fashion police strike again as the notorious belly dancer was handed a six month sentence for 'defaming' the Egyptian flag.

Staff Writer

Believing somehow that they have served some form of justice today, an Egyptian court has decided on Monday to sentence Egyptian-based Armenian belly dancer Sofinar aka Safinaz to six months in prison for wearing an Egyptian flag as a dancing costume.

Accompanying the sentence is a fine of LE 15,000 (almost $2000), however Safinaz will be able to avoid prison by paying LE10,000 bail, as the verdict is likely to be appealed.

The incident that almost cost this performer the freedom to dance took place in March, when a complaint was filed by a businesswoman against the dancer for wearing a costume mimicking the Egyptian flag, during a performance in Ain Sokhna. At the time, police questioned the accused dancer and was released the same day after paying LE20,000 bail.

The law she was charged for breaking was passed in June 2014 and applies to anyone who ‘insults’ the national flag. This includes adding slogans, designs, pictures, or even displaying a washed out flag.