Egypt Arrests Italian-Egyptian Belly Dancer Over 'Morally Corrupt' Instagram Videos

In a twist that could only happen in the land of the pharaohs, an Italian-Egyptian belly dancer, Sohila Tarek Hassan Haggag, known as Linda Martino, was detained at Cairo International Airport on June 22. Her crime? Allegedly shaking her hips too provocatively on Instagram, where she describes herself as "more than you can handle." Egyptian authorities, apparently unimpressed by her rhythmic flair, accused her of corrupting public morals with "seductive techniques" and "indecent clothing" that exposed "sensitive areas."

Haggag, a naturalized Italian citizen born in Egypt, has been thriving in her homeland after returning years ago to pursue her dancing career. But her sultry social media videos, showcasing moves that investigators claim violate societal values, landed her in hot water. Found with a "substantial" amount of cash during her arrest, she now faces at least two weeks in custody as the Italian embassy scrambles to secure her release.

Under President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, Egypt has tightened its grip on activities deemed morally questionable. Haggag isn’t the first to feel the heat—five other belly dancers have faced similar charges in recent years. The case raises questions about cultural expression in a society wrestling with modernity and tradition, where a dance move can apparently spark a moral crisis.