HRW Condemns Egypt’s Arrests of Online Content Creators

Egyptian authorities have arrested at least 29 social media content creators, including a child, for “indecency” and “undermining family values,” drawing criticism from Human Rights Watch for restricting free speech. Similarly, in Mali, the governor of Bamako banned “Dior parties,” women-only celebrations filmed and shared online, citing violations of public morals, though the trend continues to grow in West Africa.

In recent months, Egyptian authorities have arrested at least 29 individuals involved in creating content for social media, citing accusations of "indecency" and "undermining family values." The arrests, which include a child, have been widely criticized for their vagueness and scale. Since July 2025, the Egyptian government has intensified its crackdown on social media content, targeting videos uploaded by creators across platforms such as TikTok. Human Rights Watch (HRW) has strongly condemned these actions, describing the prosecutions as "abusive."

HRW’s findings are based on statements from Egypt's Interior Ministry, media reports, and human rights organizations. Between late July and late August, at least 29 people—comprising 19 women and a child—were detained for sharing social media content deemed inappropriate. Authorities accused the creators of undermining societal and family principles with their "indecent videos." Examples highlighted include videos of young women dancing, including four belly dancers, which the morality police claimed "violated public morals." On 8 August, prosecutors confirmed that 10 of the content creators had been formally charged with these broadly defined offenses, while their assets were frozen, and they were prohibited from traveling. HRW has characterized these arrests as part of a broader effort by the Egyptian government to restrict freedom of expression.

Egypt is not alone on the continent in seeking to regulate online content. In Mali, the governor of Bamako district banned, on 8 September, events locally known as "soirées Dior" or "Dior parties." These gatherings, primarily attended by women, occur during birthdays, weddings, or other celebrations. Participants dress in traditional colorful attire called "Boubou Dior," dance, and share videos on social media platforms such as TikTok. Authorities have condemned the events as obscene and contrary to Mali’s customs and public morals.

Following the ban, the Ministry of Justice has instructed prosecutors to enforce strict penalties on participants. Despite official restrictions, the popularity of Dior parties continues to grow across West Africa, with the trend spreading to neighboring countries such as Senegal and Guinea.