Snaps of Salma al-Shimi posing in a pharoah-like outfit were branded "provocative and offensive" when they were shared on social media last week. But authorities faced a backlash after the arrests, purportedly for taking photos next to the Step Pyramid of Djoser - which dates back 4,700 years - without permission. Photographer Houssam Mohammad and al-Shimi are accused of "taking photos without authorisation in the Saqqara archaeological site", Middle East Eye reports. A police source last week said, according to The Guardian: "A photographer has been arrested after a private shoot with dancer Salma al-Shimi in the archaeological zone." Speaking in front of a prosecutor, the model said her intention had been to promote tourism rather than cause offence.

Source: Daily Mirror December 02, 2020 20:28 UTC