A lawyer filed a complaint against Egyptian festival singer Essam Sasa after a video circulated on social media showing him holding a cigarette suspected of containing a controlled substance.
The complainant said the video appears to show Sasa during a live broadcast while holding a rolled cigarette that raised questions about the nature of its contents. He requested that authorities examine the recording and establish the facts of the incident.
Complaint Does Not Confirm the Substance
The complainant stressed that the appearance of the cigarette in a video does not by itself establish that it contains a controlled substance.
He noted that identifying the substance requires technical examination, seizure of the material, and laboratory analysis by the competent authorities.
The complaint therefore seeks verification of the incident rather than treating the video alone as conclusive evidence of a legal violation.
Requests to Examine the Original Video
The complainant requested an examination of the original recording, including its source, filming location, and date and time.
He also asked authorities to determine whether the footage was an actual live broadcast or an older recording that was later reposted, and whether the material had been edited, cut, or manipulated.
Digital Evidence Preservation Requested
The complaint also called for technical measures to preserve the digital content related to the incident amid concerns that the original material could be deleted, altered, or reposted without its original data.
The complainant requested that the original version and relevant digital information be preserved and that the highest-quality available copy be examined.
Request to Question Essam Sasa
The complainant asked authorities to summon Essam Sasa and question him about the incident, the source of the cigarette, and the nature of the material inside it.
He also requested any medical examinations or laboratory tests permitted under applicable legal procedures if the required conditions were met.
Reference to Drug Control Law
The complaint referred to provisions of Egypt's drug control legislation, emphasizing that the final legal classification of the incident depends on the findings of the investigation and technical examinations.
The complainant requested that, if the cigarette is proven to contain a controlled substance, authorities determine the appropriate legal description of the incident and whether the relevant provisions apply.
Investigation Into the Incident
The complaint concluded with a request for further investigation into any additional violations revealed by examination of the video or live broadcast.
The nature of the substance allegedly shown in the cigarette and the legal status of the incident remain subject to official investigation and technical examination.
Why was a complaint filed against Essam Sasa?
The complaint concerns a circulating video that appears to show him holding a cigarette suspected of containing a controlled substance.
Has it been proven that the cigarette contained drugs?
No. The complaint requests technical examination to determine the nature of the substance.
What did the complainant request?
He requested examination of the original video, its source and digital data, as well as questioning Essam Sasa.
Can the substance be identified from the image alone?
No. Determining the substance requires technical examination and laboratory analysis.
What happens if a controlled substance is confirmed?
Authorities would determine the legal classification of the incident based on the investigation and technical findings.
