Egyptian blogger Basma Bishay was a victim of harassment upon her return from Beirut at Cairo Airport while retrieving her luggage. She noticed one of the staff members filming her from behind. Bishay shared a video on her personal Instagram account, stating that this experience was the hardest of her life and requested support from Egyptians who viewed it. The video spread rapidly, prompting calls for the arrest of the harasser and for him to face punishment.
In a conversation with Sky News Arabia, Bishay recounted new details about the incident, saying: "I got home around 2 AM after the initial investigations, and around 11 AM the next day, we went to the prosecutor's office, and I hadn't seen the accused for about 8 hours while I was there." She added, "There was great interest in the matter, and I was asked many questions, providing all the details and confirming that the truth is what was stated. I felt a tremendous hope after hearing everyone say that I would get my rights."
Bishay explained: "They allowed me to communicate with my family while I was in the public prosecutor’s room because of the number of hours I spent there. They were very understanding of the situation and assured me repeatedly that they were monitoring the case and recognized its importance. The prosecutor apologized to me for having to go through all this as a woman, and he made it clear that they would continue to support and bring justice to every woman suffering from such incidents."
Details of the Incident
The Egyptian blogger described the incident in her video, saying: "This is the hardest video I've ever made in my life. I was traveling to Beirut and returned to Egypt, and while I was waiting for my bags, a man filmed me from behind with his phone. When my friends noticed him, they tried to take the phone." She continued, "After a long discussion and involving security, we entered one of the rooms. Upon examining his phone, more than 10 other men saw what the harasser had filmed, finding a video of him filming girls from behind."
She confirmed that "on the harasser's phone, there were many pictures of girls he had been following and photographing," and noted that the police detained the man for investigation, and he left the airport handcuffed. "Thankfully, I was able to leave, and tomorrow I will continue the investigations and will keep you updated with any new information."
Significant Support
Regarding the support she received on social media after posting the video, she mentioned: "I did not expect what happened; I couldn't have imagined it. I posted the video to get help from anyone who knows someone at the airport, but I was surprised by the unlimited assistance from many. Many tried to help me through their relatives inside, while others wanted me to tell them how they could assist me."
A Special Message
Bishay directed a message to women: "I know that initially, this issue is terrifying and frightening because we face more people standing against us than supporters. However, when they see us standing up to challenges, we will see rights granted to their owners. Please do not give up your rights, and fight for them; social media is currently a more powerful weapon than any institution."
She concluded her statement to the harasser: "I thought a lot about his children. It is not easy for me to know they see their father like this now, but I forgive him even though he hasn’t apologized to me. I truly pity him for resorting to such actions, and between me and myself, I will pray for him to change. However, every wrongdoing has its consequence, and I will not back down from this case because it must serve as a lesson for others."
Deterrent Punishment
Lawyer and legal researcher Abdel Razek Mustafa stated in an interview with Sky News Arabia that the incident, upon reviewing the videos, clearly constitutes harassment according to the amended Article 306 bis A and B, enacted in 2014 to include explicit provisions related to communications and filming. The perpetrator will be punished with a prison sentence of no less than 6 months up to a year, with fines ranging from 3,000 to 10,000 Egyptian pounds.
Legal advisor Mohamed Barakat commented that "harassment is a crime punishable by law, and there should be no leniency in reporting it by the victim. They must file a police report in the relevant station against the harasser."
Suspension of the Employee and Revocation of License
The official page of Cairo Airport Company on Facebook released a notice stating, "In reference to the video published on a social media platform on June 14, which includes a complaint from a female passenger arriving from Beirut about being filmed by an employee at Terminal 3 of Cairo Airport, the company informs that the employee has been suspended effective today."
The statement clarified that "his customs permit has been revoked pending investigations by the relevant authorities. Cairo Airport Management emphasizes its commitment to the safety of all passengers and will not hesitate to hold accountable anyone who oversteps or neglects their duties from among the employees."
