An Egyptian university lecturer was suspended ... for dancing

A viral Facebook video and photos of Dr. Mona Prince, an Egyptian English literature university lecturer at Suez Canal University in Egypt sparked controversy in the country earlier this week.

In the video Prince is seen dancing to a famous song by Egyptian singer Ruby. After the uproar, university officials decided to suspend her and launch an investigation in the case.

Amidst the controversy, university officials and Prince appeared on Dream TV's Television program 10 PM (Al Ashera Masa'an) to discuss the video. 

On the show, university officials attacked Prince, explaining that they were not only investigating her for the recent video controversy but also for lectures she gave during the first semester of the academic year.

They added that her lectures and personal behavior were not in line with the university's policies and that the institution has received many complaints over her behavior in recent months.   

In the same TV episode Prince responded, defending her right to freely express herself outside work and explaining that the video was posted on her personal Facebook page and was not meant to offend anyone.  

She also stated that as an accomplished academic, translator, artist and writer, she is surprised by the fact that people are focusing on discussing the issue of a woman dancing in her house rather than focus on serious matters, according to Al Arabiya.

Prince went on to say that she is not ashamed of the video and feels that there is nothing wrong with anyone who shares art and joy, adding that as long as her actions do not harm anyone she should be free to do what she wants.

Thousands took to social media to express anger over the video while others hit back defending the lecturer's right to freedom of expression via the hashtag: #منى_برنس

"If she wants dancing to be her profession, no problem, but if that's the case she should leave teaching to respectable people."

"I am all for personal freedom, but this issue is now open for criticism because she shared the video and photos publicly on Facebook."

"This is disgusting, a few years ago university lecturers dedicated their lives to education and their students. And plus, we live in a conservative society, our traditions must be respected."

"Is there any law or university policy that criminalizes filming a dance performance or taking a photo in a swimsuit? If there is, please share it with me."

"A free and beautiful woman."

"I completely support Dr. Mona Prince's right to freedom of expression in an intellectually regressive society."