Sohag Bar Suspends Lawyer Loaa Khalf, Sparking Dispute Over Reason

The Sohag Bar Association suspended lawyer Loaa Khalf pending disciplinary proceedings, with the bar citing professional violations and Khalf claiming the decision was due to her not wearing the hijab.

• The Sohag Bar Association suspended lawyer Loaa Khalf on June 11, 2026, pending disciplinary proceedings, citing violations of the advocacy law and social media practices.
• Khalf said the suspension was due to her personal appearance and not wearing the hijab, and that the bar should not impose dress standards.
• The general bar's assistant secretary general, Abu Bakr Dawah, said the case has not been referred to the general bar and that the bar requires only modest attire, not a specific dress code.
• Businessman Naguib Sawiris called the decision an infringement on personal freedom, and lawyer Nihad Abul Qomsan said the bar's statement used terms not found in the advocacy law.