Photographer Sparks Controversy at Ahmed El-Fishawy's Mother's Funeral, Journalists' Association Responds
A controversial incident occurred during the funeral of the late artist Somaya El-Alfi in Cairo on Monday evening. The event escalated when a photographer attempted to take close-up photos of her son, Ahmed El-Fishawy, while he was mourning.
A widely circulated video captured El-Fishawy's visible distress as he confronted the photographer, seizing his phone to delete the images and remove him from the mourning site. This incident resonated on social media, with activists criticizing the photographer for disregarding the artist's privacy and the emotions of those present.
In response, the photography division of the Egyptian Journalists' Association issued a strong statement condemning the photographer's actions. They emphasized, "We denounce the behavior of a photographer who took close-up shots during a moment of human grief, violating fundamental professional and ethical journalism standards."
The division highlighted that reporting on funerals and memorial services is governed by clear guidelines that balance the right to information with respect for human emotions. Any deviation from these standards is firmly rejected, underscoring the importance of adhering to professional and ethical values that uphold individual dignity.
Khaled El-Balshi, the head of the Journalists' Association, expressed full support for the division's statement, characterizing the incident as a blatant violation of journalistic reporting standards, stating:
"This behavior directly contradicts professional norms and disrespects the feelings of mourners who are navigating difficult personal circumstances."
The funeral for Somaya El-Alfi, who passed away at the age of 72 after a prolonged battle with cancer, attracted numerous stars from the art scene and was an emotional occasion, occurring just days before her death when she shared poignant moments with her son on set.
