Egyptian House’s human rights committee rejects interference in judicial affairs over TikToker Haneen Hossam

CAIRO – 23 June 2021: The Human Rights Committee of the Egyptian House of Representatives voiced rejection to attempts to politicize the case of the TikToker Haneen Hossam who is jailed over human trafficking charges.

The head of the committee, MP Tarek Radwan, affirmed categorical rejection of the calls issued under the pretext of human rights in terms of Hossam, considering such calls a flagrant interference in the Egyptian judiciary’s affairs.

Radwan said such attempts require holding those behind them accountable.

Radwan said those behind these calls should understand the details of the accusations Hossam is facing, on top of which is her invitation to girls to enter private rooms in exchange for money.

The MP said Hossam exploited the coronavirus crisis to attract girls and increase the number of her followers.

He affirmed that Hossam is accused of human trafficking, inciting prostitution through inviting girls to enter “Likee Al-Haram” group on the app Likee.

Radwan said Hossam invited adult and minor girls to work as presenters at the app and exploited girls under the pretext of providing them with job opportunities.

The MP called for respecting the Egyptian judiciary and non-interference in its affairs, stressing the Egyptian judiciary’s sanctity and integrity in favor of the sovereignty of the Constitution and the law.

Cairo Criminal Court issued its ruling on Sunday to sentence both TikTok bloggers Haneen Hossam and Mawada el-Adham to prison terms in absentia over human trafficking charge.

Haneen Hossam was sentenced to 10 years in prison and a fine of L.E. 200,000, and Mawada el-Adham was sentenced to 6 years in prison and a fine of L.E. 200,000 over encouraging young women to broadcast indecent content on the platform to make money.

According to the prosecution, the bloggers exploited their victims’ poverty and promised to give them money, where Adham and Hossam are part of an organized human trafficking group.

Both ladies were handed a two year-sentence each for violating the values and principles of the Egyptian family, and inciting debauchery.

In January, they have been acquitted of “violating family values” and the merits of their acquittal are largely owed to their young age.