The photos of Salma al-Shimi posing in an outfit resembling a pharaoh were called “provocative and offensive” when they were shared on social media last week.
But authorities have faced a backlash after the arrests, allegedly for taking photos next to Djoser’s Step Pyramid – which dates back 4,700 years – without permission.
Photographer Houssam Mohammad and al-Shimi are accused of “taking photos without permission at the Saqqara archaeological site,” Middle East Eye reports.
They were released on bail Tuesday after much criticism of the arrests.
Al-Shimi, who has thousands of Instagram followers, has been taken into custody after the images were widely shared.
They have since been demolished.
A police source said last week, according to The Guardian: “A photographer was arrested after a private photoshoot with dancer Salma al-Shimi in the archaeological area. ”
Indignant officials reportedly called the photos disrespectful.
Mostafa Waziri, secretary general of the Egyptian Supreme Council for Antiquities, told the Al-Watan news site that anyone who “does not respect” Egyptian civilization will be punished.
Speaking to a prosecutor, the model said her intention was to promote tourism rather than offend.
And the perplexed Egyptians have knocked on the excuse of arrest.
One posted on social media: “Is there really a ban on taking photos in archaeological areas, even images that are not indecent but completely normal?”
Another wrote: “There is no law that criminalizes his behavior, but the people who are supposed to keep the public using any pretext to annoy people and spread malice.”
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