Owner of belly dancing TV station arrested

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 18 May 2012

An Egyptian security official said vice police arrested ElTet TV station owner Baligh Hamdy in Cairo on May 17. Authorities allege the channel operated without a license and promoted licentiousness and prostitution. ElTet broadcasts belly dancing videos around the clock and carries related advertisements.

Summary

CAIRO: An Egyptian security official says vice police have arrested the owner of a TV station that broadcasts belly dancing 24 hours a day for allegedly operating without a license, inciting licentiousness and facilitating prostitution. The official says ElTet station owner Baligh Hamdy was taken into custody Thursday (May 17) in Cairo after authorities received viewer complaints. He spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not allowed to brief the media. ElTet broadcasts videos of belly dancers, often in racy outfits, and carries advertisements for sexual enhancement products and love messages.

While belly dancing is a quintessential Egyptian art form, and is legally performed in hotels and clubs, the country has grown more conservative over the years.- AP

KEY POINTS:

• Vice police arrested ElTet TV station owner Baligh Hamdy in Cairo on Thursday, May 17.
• Authorities allege the station operated without a license and incited licentiousness.
• The official said the station also facilitated prostitution, following viewer complaints.
• ElTet broadcasts belly dancing videos 24 hours a day and runs ads for sexual enhancement products and love messages.
• Belly dancing remains legal in Egyptian hotels and clubs, though the country has grown more conservative.