Russian belly dancer jailed for a year for ‘inciting debauchery’ in Egypt after she was filmed performing in a nightclub on a Nile boat
Ekaterina Andreeva was arrested and accused of not wearing underwear during a provocative performance last year
A RUSSIAN belly dancer has been sentenced to a year behind bars in Egypt after she was filmed giving a nightclub performance which "incited debauchery".
Ekaterina Andreeva, who goes by the stage name Johara meaning Jewel, was handed the punishment after authorities said she was dancing without wearing underwear and working without a licence.
But on Wednesday she did post on Instagram a picture of her dancing with the sarcastic caption: "My reaction to today's news", along with a tongue out emoji.
In February 2018, Andreeva said being locked up by Egyptian authorities was "the worst days of my life".
The then 31-year-old also posted on Instagram at the time to defend herself against the accusations after being released on bail.
Andreeva hails from Perm Krai in Russia but has performed all over the world as a professional belly dancer.
She regularly shared her routines with her 136,000-strong army of followers on Instagram.
Andreeva posted in February last year: "I'm finally out! My state of health is normal so do not worry about me!"
'WORST DAYS OF MY LIFE'
She also said she didn't know the "real reasons" she was arrested, commenting "those who are professional dancers know clearly my costumes are okay.
"Me and my lawyer insure 100 per cent documents are done, we spend six months with my employer to prepare everything clean and right.
"I know that my beloved husband did just unreal job from Russian side and my amazing employer here in Cairo the same here.
"No words to thank you, all who were helping me.
"It was the worst days of my life, but I'm out and JUSTICE TRIUMPHED, so it only proves that I'm innocent."
At the time, Egyptian prosecutor Hatim Fadl said: "Rules for the dance performance oblige the performer to wear underwear of any colour but beige.
"Johara did not have any underwear, and of course it was provocative."
Andreeva was banned from dancing while her case was reviewed, according to local reports.
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