Egyptian TikTok Influencers Haneen Hossam, Mawada al-Adham Sentenced To Prison Over ‘Disgraceful’ Content

While there are plenty of TikTok stars that are earning major dough from their popularity on the platform, several Egyptian women are facing prison time over their viral videos.

Haneen Hossam, 20, and Mawada al-Adham, 22, who have earned millions of followers thanks to their 15-second clips, which have featured dancing, humorous skits, and other entertaining snippets, were sentenced to two years in prison over the content they shared on the app.

Although the prosecution statement only named Hossam and al-Adham, three others were also ordered to serve prison time for helping the women run their social media accounts.

The women were reportedly fined 300,000 Egyptian pounds, which is equal to around $19,000 US, each for promoting human trafficking, “violating the values and principles of the Egyptian family,” and inciting debauchery.

Ahmed el-Bahkeri, Eladhm’s attorney, confirmed that the prosecution described his client’s social media content as “disgraceful and insulting.”

Time noted that citizens in Egypt can be sent to prison for “inciting debauchery and immorality, ” “misusing social media,” and other crimes.

Samar Shabana, el-Bahkeri’s assistant, acknowledged that the women shared content encouraging young women to talk to strangers and share videos for money, but insisted that they were unaware that their message could be misinterpreted.

“Eladhm was crying in court. Two years? 300,000 Egyptian pounds? This is really something very tough to hear,” Shabana said.

“They just want followers. They are not part of any prostitution network, and did not know this is how their message would be perceived by prosecutors.”

The women's lawyers plan to appeal the court’s ruling.