Egyptian security forces have arrested actor Mohamed Ghoneim following his conviction for threatening his ex-wife, Rania Khalifa, amid ongoing disputes, according to media reports.

The arrest came in execution of a three-year prison sentence issued in absentia against the 63-year-old actor and practicing doctor. He is currently being held at the Old Cairo Police Department, awaiting the scheduling of his retrial sessions.

Threats Against His Ex-Wife

The case dates back to 2022, when prosecutors accused Ghoneim of threatening his ex-wife both verbally and in writing through an intermediary named Zeinab Hassan, including threats of murder and of disclosing sensitive information that could harm her reputation — allegedly for blackmail and financial extortion.

The Old Cairo Criminal Court had sentenced him in absentia in case No. 15486 of 2022, categorized under No. 2307 of 2022 – South Cairo Felonies, before his legal team requested a retrial following his arrest.

As legal proceedings move forward, the case has sparked widespread controversy, especially given Ghoneim’s dual profile as a figure in both the artistic and medical fields, and the serious criminal nature of the accusations involving threats and extortion.

Actor Mohamed Ghoneim participated in last Ramadan’s drama season in the series "Sayed El Nas" (Sayed of the People), portraying the character Rady El Hawary, alongside a large ensemble of actors. The series was directed by Mohamed Sami, who had previously stepped away from directing drama.