Jeff Black | Berlin

CAIRO, 9 November 2006 (IRIN) – Women’s rights activists in Egypt have criticised the country’s authorities for tacitly accepting the sexual harassment of women. An incident on 24 October when a mob of men openly molested women in Cairo and were not stopped or arrested has brought the issue to the fore.

Downtown Cairo witnessed ugly scenes of violence and sexual harassment during the festive Eid el-Fitr holidays, which marked the end of Ramadan, the month-long fast for Muslims. After being refused entrance to a cinema, a horde of up to 50 young men reportedly began attacking property and molesting women in the area.

No official reports were made to the police, no prosecutions were made, and the response from official quarters has been one of denial. In the aftermath, women’s rights activists have said that tacit acceptance of sexual harassment of women in Egypt must end.

Full article here.