The Cairo Economic Court of Appeals has decided to postpone the appeal of TikToker Badr Eiyad, known for his content on social media platforms, on a six-month prison sentence and a 50,000 EGP fine. He was found guilty of insulting and defaming singer Omar Kamal. The case will now be heard on October 27, 2026. The initial ruling was handed down after Eiyad was prosecuted for several charges, including insult, defamation, electronic harassment, and sending bulk messages without the recipient's consent.
According to the investigations, Eiyad's actions were part of a broader pattern of using electronic accounts to abuse and defame the victim. The charges against him included using social media platforms to spread false news and engage in electronic harassment. The investigations revealed that these actions constituted crimes punishable under Egyptian law, specifically under Articles 302/1, 303/1, 306 bis, and 309 bis (1,2) of the Penal Code.
The law under which Eiyad was prosecuted includes provisions related to the misuse of technology for criminal purposes. This encompasses not only the spread of false information but also the creation of electronic accounts for the purpose of committing crimes. The case highlights the growing concern over the use of social media for harassment and defamation in Egypt.
The case against Eiyad began with a referral from the competent investigative authorities to the trial court. The prosecution's charges were based on complaints filed by singer Omar Kamal, who felt that his reputation had been damaged by Eiyad's actions. The investigations confirmed that Eiyad had used his social media presence to target Kamal.
The Egyptian legal framework for addressing such crimes includes laws that regulate communication and information technology. Specifically, Law No. 175 of 2018 on Combating Cybercrimes and Law No. 10 of 2003 on Regulating Telecommunications are relevant to this case. These laws provide for penalties for those who use technology to commit crimes such as harassment and defamation.
The postponement of Eiyad's appeal gives him another opportunity to present his case to the court. His legal team may use this time to prepare additional arguments or evidence in support of their client's appeal. The case continues to draw attention to issues of online harassment and defamation in Egypt.
The TikToker's case is among several recent instances where Egyptian courts have dealt with crimes committed using social media and other digital platforms. It underscores the challenges of regulating online content and the need for clear laws and effective enforcement mechanisms to address such issues.
Key points
- An Egyptian court has postponed the appeal of TikToker Badr Eiyad on a six-month prison sentence and a 50,000 EGP fine for insulting and defaming singer Omar Kamal.
