Italian Belly Dancer Arrested in Egypt for Offending Public Morals
- Italian belly dancer Linda Martino arrested in Egypt last month.
- Accusations included indecent exposure and inciting vice.
- Wider crackdown on belly dancing under President el-Sisi’s rule.
Allegations Against the Influencer Dancer
Italian Dancer Arrested for Offending Morals in Egypt Last month, an Italian belly dancer was arrested in Egypt for allegedly offending public morals. The dancer, known as Linda Martino in her professional life, has gained considerable fame as a social media influencer with over 2.2 million followers on Instagram. She was detained at Cairo Airport while attempting to board a flight to Dubai, a fact reported by the Italian news agency ANSA, citing local publication La Repubblica.
Cultural Crackdown on Belly Dancing
Haggag, who is originally from Egypt but has been naturalized as an Italian citizen through marriage, faces serious accusations. The authorities claim she was found with a significant amount of cash, which they allege stemmed from activities that instigated immoral behavior. According to the indictment, Haggag was said to have appeared in indecent clothing that exposed sensitive areas of her body, thus violating societal norms and values.
Belly Dancers Fight for Cultural Recognition
The situation is part of a broader trend in Egypt, where the government, under President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, has intensified its crackdown on belly dancers in recent years. Haggag is not alone in facing legal troubles, as other dancers, such as Katerina Andreeva, have faced similar charges and even prison sentences for what some regard as cultural expression. Many prominent belly dancers advocate for the art form to be recognized as a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage, emphasizing its significance in Egypt’s rich history and culture.
In a situation highlighting conflicts between cultural expression and public morals, Linda Martino’s arrest in Egypt underscores ongoing tensions regarding the belly dance tradition. As she awaits her court hearing, the case emphasizes the Egyptian government’s crackdown on dancers, reflecting a broader struggle over cultural ownership and respect for historical art forms. Amid these challenges, advocates continue to push for recognition of belly dancing’s importance in Egypt’s cultural heritage.
