Egyptian women's council calls for 'serial rapist' to be investigated over online allegations

On social media, women said they were filmed and then blackmailed by the man and shared his photos. The campaign encouraged many women to speak out on their encounters.

Using a hashtag that named the alleged rapist, Egyptian women and young girls anonymously detailed harrowing accounts of sexual and physical violence.

One woman said she was beaten and raped, then called derogatory names. Another said she sustained physical injuries from the rape.

In voice notes, victims sent to Deutsche Welle (DW), the alleged rapist coerced women into performing sexual acts by threatening to blackmail them if they refuse.

After allegations against the individual piled up, a group of Egyptian women made an Instagram account which posted more anonymous allegations. The posts include numerous testimonies and accounts of rape and assault committed by the man in question.

The DW said several allegations were posted by minors who did not share the incident with their parents over fears of taking the blame. 

"We are in a society that always attacks the girl. I always say to myself: What am I wearing? Why am I going out late? Why did I even talk to this person?" Rola Khalil, an Egyptian activist told the DW in a video segment. "I always blame myself instead of blaming the one sexually harassing me".

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The accused is a former student at the American University in Cairo. According to the activists compiling allegations, he no longer resides in Cairo and was expelled from the university.

The NCW encouraged girls affected to file official reports against the young man and prosecute him.