Egypt arrests 13 teenage boys after video of them ‘harassing two female tourists’ at the Giza Pyramids sparked outrage

• A video surfaced on social media showing teenagers harassing female tourists
• The young women were visiting the Giza Pyramids in the Egyptian capital Cairo
• The boys jeer at the women and some press close to them as they try to get away

Thirteen teenage boys have been arrested and accused of harassing two women tourists at the Giza Pyramids near the Egyptian capital, Cairo.

The boys remain in custody pending an investigation, Egypt’s public prosecutor said.

The arrests came after a video surfaced on social media showing a crowd of boys swarming around two young women at the famous archaeological site, one of Egypt’s top tourist attractions.

The boys are seen jeering at the women and some press close to them as they try to get away.

One woman turns and tries to push a boy away. It is unclear from the footage whether any of the boys groped the women.

A voice is heard saying the video should be sent to the minister of tourism.

Thirteen teenage boys have been arrested and accused of harassing two women tourists at the Giza Pyramids near the Egyptian capital. The boys remain in custody pending an investigation

The boys are seen jeering at the women and some press close to them as they try to get away. Women inspired by the #MeToo movement have spoken out on social media about the problem with he video drawing outrage on social media in the Muslim-majority country

A tour guide who filmed the incident with his smartphone has accused the teenagers of ‘verbally and physically’ harassing the women – charges they deny, the office of the chief prosecutor said.

The video has drawn outrage on social media in the Muslim-majority country.

According to a statement from the prosecutor’s office, the arrested boys are between 13 and 15 years old. The statement did not provide any details on the women tourists.

If charged, the boys will be tried before a juvenile court.

Visitors to the Pyramids at Giza and other famous archaeological sites in Egypt are routinely approached and followed by young men offering tours, souvenirs, carriage or camel rides.

An Egyptian member of the Hagana, camel mounted police, is pictured. Visitors to the Pyramids at Giza and other famous archaeological sites in Egypt are routinely approached and followed by young men offering tours and camel rides. Authorities have increased penalties for sexual harassment, which is now punishable with up to five years in prison

The problem of sexual harassment in Egypt gained worldwide attention during and after the 2011 uprising that toppled president Hosni Mubarak, when women were harassed, groped – and in some cases, beaten and sexually assaulted – during mass anti-government protests.

In recent years, women inspired by the #MeToo movement have spoken out on social media about the problem.

Authorities have increased penalties for sexual harassment, which is now punishable with up to five years in prison.

They have also intensified efforts to combat harassment and aggressive touts at tourist sites.

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