An Egyptian singer has been jailed for two years for “inciting debauchery” after appearing in a music video in her underwear and suggestively eating a banana.
Shaimaa Ahmed, 21, caused a storm when she released the video for her single “I Have Issues”, which attracted over a million views within days.
In the video the singer, who is known professionally as Shyma, is seen dancing in underwear before appearing in front of a classroom of adult men and pouring milk over a banana before eating it.
The director was also fined and sentenced to two years in prison in absentia.
Both defendants were accused of inciting debauchery and producing a video harming public morality in the traditionally conservative country.
Shyma was arrested on November 18 and referred to the prosecution for investigation. She denied the accusations, reportedly saying the director included the controversial scenes without her consent.
She also posted an apology on her Facebook account, promising to stick to “true art” from now on.
Shyma, who was also fined 10,000 Egyptian pounds (£420), can appeal the verdict to a higher court.
Egyptian courts sentenced three female dancers to six months each in prison last year after convicting them of inciting debauchery in music videos.
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