An Egyptian lawyer has sparked outcry with some misogynistic comments, claiming that it is a man’s ‘national duty’ to rape any woman he sees decked out in ripped jeans.
According to Nabih al-Wahsh, ripped jeans are a sign of the moral decay of the modern woman and it is up to almighty men to put women back in their place.
“Are you happy when you see a girl walking down the street with half of her behind showing?” the lawyer said on Al-Assema TV during a live studio discussion.
“I say that when a girl walks about like that, it is a patriotic duty to s*xually harass her and a national duty to rape her.”
A prominent conservative Muslim, al-Wahsh’s comments have sparked outcry among women right’s groups but unfortunately, represent a mindset all too common, especially among the deepest conservative Muslim nations, of which Egypt is one.
A recent international poll found Cairo to be the most dangerous city for women to be in, according to the Independent.
“A 2008 study found that 83 per cent of Egyptian women said they had been sexually harassed and 53 per cent of men blamed women for “bringing it on themselves”. the UK newspaper reported.
This is not the first time al-Wahsh has been caught making misogynistic remarks either. Last year, his debate with a liberal Muslim cleric went viral after it descended into a full fight on tv. He had also said in the past that women cannot serve as judges because they menstruate.
“If we let a woman become a judge, why shouldn’t she become Sheik of Al-Azhar? Why shouldn’t she become the Mufti? Why don’t we all just go to Hell?! Will she issue me a fatwa while she is menstruating?!” he screamed.
Sounds like a lovely man.