‘Miss Upper Egypt’ Pageant Cancelled over Threats

What would have been the first-ever beauty pageant in Upper Egypt was cancelled unexpectedly on Monday, the day it should have taken place, because of security concerns and threats of violence, The Telegraph reported.

Miss Upper Egypt was scheduled to take place Monday, Oct. 10 at the Four Season Hall in Assiut, but was “abruptly” cancelled when the hotel “refused to let the competition go ahead,” the British publication reported.

Ten women were expected to take part in the event, organized by Fatima Bakr. The idea was to focus on the women’s “inner beauty” and would not have had them walk in front of an audience, but rather do things such as demonstrate their knowledge of the Quran.

WE SAID THIS: Bakr told The Telegraph she received death threats and even some calls threatening to burn down her office or the hotel where the event was to take place.