Under the title "Egypt... Details of the 'Swimwear Ban' Decision in Alexandria", Sky News reported on a heated debate in the Alexandria governorate in northern Egypt, following a decision by Governor Mohamed Sherif to ban walking in the streets wearing swimwear, warning that "violators of the decision will be referred to the public prosecution."
Some social media users criticized the decision, describing it as "a restriction on freedoms and an infringement on the rights of vacationers in the governorate," which is a prominent summer destination in Egypt, arguing that it contradicts the state's efforts to attract tourism.
However, the media advisor for Alexandria Governorate, Mohamed Fouad, clarified that the decision is not related to freedoms or the restriction thereof but is tied to "public morals, public decency, and the ethics instilled in Egyptian society."
Fouad stated in an interview with Sky News Arabia: "This issue is not a decision in the conventional sense but rather a directive from the governor emphasizing the necessity of adhering to public decency while walking on the streets of the governorate."
He further explained that "as a sign of no targeting or intention to restrict anyone, there is a special committee from the Central Administration of Tourism and Beaches with representatives at each beach monitoring the overall situation, reminding every person exiting the beach to wear appropriate attire for walking in the city's streets. It is not suitable for some vacationers to walk in the streets wearing clothes close to underwear."
The media advisor emphasized that "the general image of the issued directive relates to overall appearance and respectability. We welcome all tourists and vacationers, but there are regulations for movement in the streets that must be adhered to; everyone is free to wear what they like at the beach, but when they go out to the streets, they must adhere to standards that do not harm others or compromise their decency."
Fouad added: "On the beach, a person's space for movement is limited and only a few see them, whereas in the street, the situation is different. Thousands see them. Therefore, anyone wanting to wear swimwear should do so at the beach and not in the street, otherwise, they will face legal consequences for violations."
