Cabinet considers new restrictions on protests

A bill that would impose several new restrictions on demonstrations was discussed by the Cabinet on Wednesday, the state-run newspaper Al-Ahram reported.

Drafted by the Ministry of Justice, the proposed law is now awaiting presidential approval.

In an explanatory note accompanying the draft, the justice minister said protests are a manifestation of the freedom of expression safeguarded by international treaties and the July 8 Constitutional Declaration. Demonstrations are also the main tools that can be wielded by the people in the aftermath of the January 25 2011 and June 30 2013 revolutions, he added.

However, the minister cautioned that the rise of violent protests necessitates the proposed bill.

Al-Ahram published the text of the draft law, which would ban marches in front of houses of worship, the carrying of arms and wearing masks during protests. Sit-ins and blocking roads would also be forbidden under the law. Violators would be fined between LE50,000 and LE100,000.

The bill defines a march or protest as any function involving more than 10 people.

The organizers of a protest, march or general meeting would be required to send written notification to the nearest police station at least 24 hours in advance of the event under the proposed law. The notification would be required to specify the exact time, location and duration of the event. Failure to provide this notification could result in fines of LE1,000 to LE5,000.

Furthermore, the bill stipulates anyone offering or receiving money or any other form of remuneration to take part in protests could be served penalties ranging from time in prison to fines of between LE100,000 and LE300,000.

Also under the draft law, the Ministry of Interior would order the formation of governmental committees headed by the security directorate chief to monitor protests and marches, and take the necessary measures should they turn violent.