Arrests over Egypt ‘gay wedding’







The Egyptian authorities have arrested seven men accused of appearing in a video apparently showing a gay wedding.

The video, showing a group of men celebrating on a Nile river boat, was widely shared on social media.

The men could face charges of inciting debauchery and spreading images that violate public decency.

Homosexuality is not explicitly outlawed in Egypt, but gay men are periodically accused of charges such as scorning religion or debauchery.


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In April, four men were sentenced to prison under anti-debauchery laws.

A mass round-up in 2001 saw dozens of men sentenced on similar charges.

Prosecutors have ordered “medical tests” on the seven men, apparently to identify their sexual orientation.

Such physical tests are a long-standing practice in Egypt, but are denounced by human rights groups.