The Haram Misdemeanor Court ruled on Tuesday that it lacks jurisdiction to hear the case filed against actress Badreya Talba, regarding accusations of "misusing social media and insulting and defaming the Egyptian people," and ordered the case to be referred to the competent court for consideration.

The court witnessed the first session of Badreya Talba’s trial after lawyer Ashraf Naji filed a lawsuit against her, accusing her of using offensive language in a live broadcast on social media, which was deemed insulting to a large number of citizens.

The referral order indicated that the Public Prosecution had charged the defendant with defamation and insult via electronic means, based on provisions of the Penal Code and Article 25 of the Cybercrime Law.

The court’s decision today, September 16, on lack of jurisdiction, resulted in transferring the case to the Economic Court, which is competent to adjudicate it.

It is worth noting that Badreya Talba recently sparked controversy with statements in which she described herself as the “masters of the country,” prompting the Syndicate of Artistic Professions to refer her to a disciplinary council to investigate her remarks.