[ad_1]
Human rights groups today criticized the decision of an Egyptian court to imprison two well-known local singers who were seen in a video with an oriental-style Brazilian dancer.
In appearance they seem to sing and smile with the dancer, who performs her movements in a long dress and a jacket.
The video is one of the most watched on YouTube since posting in 2020.
But the court in Alexandria said the two singers had violated traditional and family values, although critics said the campaign resembled a ‘repression of artistic expression’.
They were also accused of having benefited financially from the video with dancer Lordiana, already known in Egypt for her moves.
The singers – Hamo Beeka and Omar Kamal – were sentenced to one year in prison and fined 10,000 Egyptian pounds. If they pay double their fine then the prison sentence is suspended, according to authorities.
Critics say the development comes as part of a broader campaign against new “modern” rhythmic music known locally as ‘mahraganat’, or ‘festival music’.
Since the ouster of President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi, local authorities have stepped up surveillance of what is considered a moral violation in the country.
In Kamal’s case, authorities mentioned that words such as “alcohol” and “hashish” were used in the song.
But activists said restricting freedom of expression in favor of public morality should be in the right proportion.
top channel
[ad_2]
Source link
