Authorities on Sunday ordered the release of Sufi Sheikh Salah Eddin al-Tijani on bail of LE 50,000, pending investigations into charges of sexual harassment.
Police arrested Tijani in the early hours of Friday morning over charges of sexually harassing a woman via social media.
The controversy began when Khadija, an architect living in Russia, published a post on her personal Facebook account accusing Tijani of sexually harassing her.
She claimed that Tijani had sent her an inappropriate photo via a private chat, which greatly upset her – especially since her family considers the Sheikh close to them.
Tijani denied all the accusations against him, claiming that Khadija suffers from psychological problems and that what she accuses him of is not based on any evidence.
The Sheikh was previously a follower of the Tijaniyya order, but he broke away from it in 2000 due to internal differences, and then established his own order known as the “Tijaniyya Salahiyya Order.”
He enjoys great popularity and has many disciples who follow his teachings.
