Photographer Claims Curvy Cleopatra In Egypt Pyramid Shoot Only Arrested Because She Is Plus-Size

Story By: Juan Mayes, Sub-Editor: Marija Stojkoska, Agency:  Newsflash

This image shows frightened Egyptian plus-size model Salma al-Shimi in police custody after she took part in a photoshoot in front of a UNESCO pyramid dressed as a curvy Cleopatra.

The model’s photographer Hossam Mohammad complained that she had only been targeted because she was a plus-size model and that nobody would have been bothered if she was slim.

Salma al-Shimi was arrested for taking pictures in front of the 4,700-year-old Step Pyramid of Djoser, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located on the outskirts of Cairo, on Sunday 29th November. Her photographer was arrested the following day.

Newsflash

According to news source the Egypt Independent, the authorities are also trying to find who allowed al-Shimi and her photographer to gain access to the ancient site. (https://bit.ly/3lw9QY5)

The Public Prosecution decided to free Al-Shimi on bail of EGP 500 (GBP 24), according to reports on 3rd December.

The photoshoot was dubbed both provocative and offensive with the Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, Mostafa Waziri, warning that anyone disrespecting ancient sites will be severely punished.

@salma_alshimi_6/Newsflash

The young model, however, claimed she was only hoping to do her bit to promote local tourism.

She told officers she did not realise it was forbidden and her photographer claimed that the police were only annoyed because the photoshoot involved a plus-sized model, adding that if she had been thin no one would have complained.

She faces charges of filming without an official permit and failure to follow previously-agreed conditions which include location and attire.

@salma_alshimi_6/Newsflash

There have been no reports on if the photographer has also been released or if there have been any further arrests.

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