DUBAI: A beauty pageant winner in Lebanon has been stripped of her title just one week after winning because she had previously been on a trip to Israel.
Swedish-Lebanese Amanda Hanna was the winner of the Miss Lebanon Emigrant 2017, earlier in August according to local media reports.
But when the organizers discovered her trip to Israel, the told her she was no longer allowed to hold the title.
Hanna traveled to Israel on an academic trip using her Swedish passport in 2016.
It is illegal for Lebanese people to travel to Israel or contact Israeli nationals.
These offenses also carry potential jail sentences.
“After communicating our decision with Lebanon’s Minister of Tourism, he decided that Hanna should be stripped of her title because her visit to Israel violates our country’s laws,” a statement given by The Festival of Lebanese Emigrants in Dhour Al Choueir to newspaper Al Modon read.
Hanna later posted on Facebook a photograph of her wearing the crown with a message thanking those who had supported her during the competition.
Her post read: “At first I was skeptical about it, but it turned out that I was wrong. It has been one of the best weeks of my life, where I have, among other things, had to go around in Lebanon & visit wonderful places. I’ve gotten to know people who have come to stand close to me & I have developed in particular as a person. It has been a wonderful trip & I am incredibly happy that I participated.”
It is not clear if the runner-up will now take the title.
Lebanese beauty queen stripped of title over Israel visit
Lebanese beauty queen stripped of title over Israel visit
