The presence of Slovenia’s ambassador to Cairo in the populous Shubra district provoked its residents, who mistakenly identified him as a spy and reacted according to that.    

Robert Kokalj and his driver were taking pictures of the poor area and street children when they were confronted by hundreds of people, who violently beat them. Police and other residents eventually intervened to end the melee.

Kokalj refused to take any legal action, saying that he should have informed authorities of his visit beforehand.

A sort of xenophobia has emerged since January’s popular revolution overthrew autocratic leader Hosni Mubarak.

Egyptian authorities have on several times arrested foreigners on charges of inciting clashes or photographing military sides, drawing widespread criticism in the process.

Three American students were arrested last month on charges of throwing firebombs at security forces during Tahrir clashes. They were later released.