The Sphinx is seen in front of the Pyramid of Chephren on February 9, 2006 in Giza, Cairo, Egypt
(Picture: Getty Images)Thirteen teenage boys have been arrested after being accused of harassing two female tourists at the Giza Pyramids near Cairo.
The arrests came after a video surfaced on social media showing a crowd of boys swarming around two young women at the famous archeological site, one of Egypt’s top tourist attractions.
The boys were allegedly seen jeering at the women and some press close to them as they try to get away.
One woman turned and tried to push a boy away. It is unclear from the footage whether any of the boys groped the women.
A voice was heard saying the video should be sent to the minister of tourism.
A tour guide, who filmed the incident with his smartphone, has accused the teens of “verbally and physically” harassing the women, charges they deny, the office of the chief prosecutor said.
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 archeological sites in Egypt are routinely harassed and followed by young men aggressively offering tours, souvenirs, carriage or camel rides.
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.
