The Supreme Court has scheduled a session on October 19 to review the appeal filed by lawyer Basem El-Khawaga, representing actress Afaf Shoaib, against the acquittal ruling issued for director Mohamed Sami in the case accusing him of public insult, defamation, and offensive language towards the actress. Sami was charged with publicly directing offensive words that harm her honor and dignity.

This appeal follows the ongoing legal procedures after the Court of October Misdemeanors accepted the defense’s appeal and acquitted Mohamed Sami. The defense, led by lawyer Shaaban Saeed, argued that the elements of the crime were not met and that there was no criminal intent in Sami’s actions. They presented evidence and documents supporting his innocence, which led the court to overturn the previous conviction.
The Public Prosecution had referred the case to the October Misdemeanor Court after an official complaint by Afaf Shoaib accusing Mohamed Sami of insult and defamation. This initially resulted in a ruling fining Sami 5,000 Egyptian pounds for using offensive language against a woman publicly.

The case stirred widespread controversy within the artistic community and on social media, with divided opinions between those supporting the actress’s right to defend her dignity and others backing the director’s acquittal based on the defense’s evidence. As the Supreme Court session approaches, everyone eagerly awaits the court’s decisive ruling, which could either confirm the acquittal or reopen the case.

This session holds great significance, not only for the legal battle between the two parties but also because it highlights important issues regarding respect and privacy within the artistic community, and its impact on professional and personal relationships among artists, making it a focal point of public attention.