Famous Egyptian-based Armenian belly dancer Sofinar (also known as Safinaz) was arrested by tourism police in Egypt's Giza governorate for allegedly insulting the Egyptian flag, Al-Ahram Arabic news website reported.
In 2014, Safinaz was summoned for questioning by Egyptian prosecutors over a report alleging she insulted Egypt and its people by wearing a dancing costume fashioned after the Egyptian flag.
Egypt's former interim president Adly Mansour issued a law in early June imposing a jail term of up to one year and a fine with a maximum penalty of LE30,000 ($4,000) for anyone who insults the flag.
Some forms of insulting the flag, as stipulated by the law, include raising, displaying or trading a flag if it is damaged, faded or not suitable in any other way. It is also prohibited to add any slogans, designs or pictures to the flag.
Safinaz has been an immediate success since her arrival in Egypt over two years ago, with appearances in several Egyptian movies as well as paid performances at prestigious weddings.
During her appearance in several talk shows, the dancer stressed her love for Egypt and that she wishes to marry to an Egyptian man as well as to spend her entire life in Egypt.
Belly dancer Safinaz to face trial over Egyptian flag costume
Safinaz could face a year in jail for wearing a costume fashioned from an Egyptian flag
Egypt-based Armenian dancer Sofinar (popularly known as Safinaz) was referred on Tuesday to the misdemeanor court on charges of "insulting the Egyptian flag."
A businesswoman and hotel owner in Mohandessin filed a report against the dancer for wearing a costume fashioned from the Egyptian flag during a performance in Ain Sokhna.
Earlier in March, police arrested Safinaz for questioning over the incident. She was released the same day after paying LE20,000 ($2,620) bail.
A law passed in June 2014 imposed jail terms and fines on anyone who ‘insults’ the flag.
Insults include raising, displaying or trading a flag if it is damaged, faded or not suitable in any other way. It is also prohibited to add slogans, designs or pictures to the flag.
If convicted, Safinaz faces a jail term of up to a year and a fine of up to LE30,000 ($4,000).
Safinaz has been an immediate success since her arrival in Egypt over two years ago, with appearances in several Egyptian movies as well as performances at prestigious weddings.
During her appearances on several talk shows, the dancer stressed her love for Egypt.
She is married to an Egyptian and has expressed her wish to spend her entire life in Egypt.
Almaz❤ Diamond of Raqs Sharqi الراقصة و الفنانة المظ
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