An Instagram influencer and her photographer were arrested by Egyptian authorities after they were caught holding a provocative photoshoot in front of the Pyramids and other archaeological sites.
Salma al-Shimi, the Instagram model with thousands of followers, was apprehended along with her photographer Houssam Mohammad earlier this week. The two were arrested while at a photo shoot at the Saqqara Necropolis just south of Cairo, Egypt.
Before they were arrested Shimi posted several images of herself dressed in a revealing costume portraying an ancient Egyptian pharaoh. The two reportedly took several photos in other structures, including some shots near the 4,700-year-old Step Pyramid of Djoser.
According to authorities, the two were arrested for taking photos on archeological sites without proper authorization and permits. The two were released on bail, which was set at $32 each.
The secretary-general of Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities said that the images and photos taken at the archeological sites were "inappropriate." Most of the photos taken were with Shimi wearing provocative clothing.
During her appearance before a public prosecutor, Shimi reportedly said the goal of the shoots was to promote the country's tourism and not an insult to Egypt. She also said she was unaware that taking photographs at archaeological sites without a permit was illegal.
Witnesses said that Shimi had entered the Saqqara Necropolis wearing a loose-fitting robe. She then changed to her costumes when she reached the shoot location. Employees reportedly came to watch the shoot near the ancient burial grounds and did nothing to stop it.
The arrests immediately resulted in an online debate on the government's crackdown on Egyptian social media influencers. Several people have been arrested on charges of sharing or posting content deemed offensive by the government. Earlier in the year, five Egyptian women were sentenced to two years in prison for posting "indecent" videos on social media.
One online user argued that Shimi's posts were "normal" and that there is no law that prohibits people from taking photos in archaeological zones.
