A viral video of a confrontation on a public bus in Cairo’s Mokattam district has sparked widespread discussions about the definition of sexual harassment, the role of verbal abuse, and the dangers of judging women based on their appearance. The incident, involving a young woman named Maryam Shawky, led to the quick arrest of the suspected harasser. However, on Tuesday, 10 February, prosecutors ordered his release on a bail of 1,000 EGP (USD 20), pending further investigation. The suspect has denied all accusations, and his family has announced plans to file a defamation lawsuit against Shawki. Forensic experts are examining the videos, and the Public Prosecution has emphasized that the case remains under active review, with the release not indicating a dismissal of charges. In parallel to the ongoing investigation, the case has sparked a wider conversation on social media about the nature of harassment, expanding the conversation beyond just physical acts of aggression. Media personality Ossama Kamal expressed his frustration over the incident, stating, “It’s upsetting that in today’s world, a man still feels entitled to tell a woman, ‘look at what you’re wearing.’” He also emphasized the…
