Italian Belly Dancer Arrested in Egypt for Alleged Public Moral Offenses

• Italian belly dancer Linda Martino was arrested in Egypt.
• The dancer faces charges of offending public morals and inciting vice.
• Artists in Egypt are advocating for belly dancing to be recognized as cultural heritage.

Artist Arrested Amid Controversies Over Cultural Expression

An Italian belly dancer, who performs under the name Linda Martino, was recently arrested in Egypt for allegedly offending public morals. The arrest, which occurred at Cairo International Airport as she was preparing to travel to Dubai, has sparked a lot of debate around cultural expression and the limitations placed on it, particularly in the Middle East. Sohila Tarek Hassan Haggag, the dancer’s real name, boasts a significant social media following with over 2.2 million followers on Instagram, shedding light on her popularity in both Egypt and abroad. Those close to the situation have expressed concerns regarding her treatment and the circumstances surrounding her detainment, as reported by multiple media outlets including Italian news service ANSA.

Charges Spark Discussion on Dance and Morality

The authorities in Egypt have charged Haggag with having large sums of money, allegedly connected to “activities likely to instigate depravity.” The claim is that she was part of a cabaret scene on the North Coast where she is said to have performed in what officials call indecent attire, exposing parts of her body that they believe violate public morals. There have been similar accusations against other dancers in Egypt, marking a noticeable crackdown on the art form since President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi came into power in 2014. The situation presents a growing tension between traditional cultural practices and the government’s desire to enforce societal norms, creating challenges for artists who promote this dance style.

Cultural Heritage Fight Backed by Artists

Haggag’s arrest is not an isolated incident; in fact, it aligns with a broader trend where several artists, particularly female dancers, have been targeted. For example, another performer, Katerina Andreeva, was sentenced to a year in prison due to similar charges. Additionally, a movement has been initiated by top Egyptian belly dancers, including actress Amie Sultan, advocating for the acknowledgment of belly dancing as a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage. The campaign aims to reclaim a cultural practice that has deep historical roots in Egypt and to combat the cultural appropriation that often accompanies its portrayal in media and other cultures. Sultan has vocally shared her concerns about losing artistic ownership, which she believes is integral to the fabric of Egyptian society and identity.

The arrest of Italian belly dancer Linda Martino highlights the ongoing discussion surrounding artistic expression and morality in Egypt. With charges stemming from claims of indecency and inciting vice, Haggag joins a list of dancers facing similar fates in a country known for its rich cultural dance heritage. As advocates push for recognition of belly dancing as an important cultural artifact, the clash between tradition and modern interpretations of morality continues to unfold.