Court verdict eases restrictions on foreign funding for Egyptian NGOs

The State Council’s administrative court ruled Tuesday that nongovernmental organizations are permitted to receive foreign funding, as long as there is no evidence it is being used to harm national security and/or public order.

The ruling comes amid a crackdown on NGOs that includes closures, travel bans, asset freezes, gag orders, threats of prosecution and trials, as well as mounting criticism of Egypt’s human rights record from international governments and organizations.

Cairo Criminal Court recently reopened a legal case dating back to 2011, accusing a number of local NGOs of illegally receiving foreign funding.

Since 2011, authorities have issued a number of executive decrees placing NGOs under the direct supervision and control of the Ministry of Social Solidarity. In September 2014, President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi issued a presidential decree criminalizing the receipt of foreign funds for activities the state deems a threat to national security, with penalties of life-imprisonment and/or hefty fines.

The administrative court acknowledged Tuesday "the right of NGOs to receive international funding as long as the administrative authorities do not provide evidence that their activities threaten public order, security, or prejudice public morals," according to a statement published by local law firm United Group.

Tuesday’s ruling added that the Ministry of Social Solidarity should not exercise “arbitrary authority” over NGOs, but should instead serve as an “assessment authority.”

The verdict was issued in light of a legal appeal from women’s rights NGO The New Woman Foundation, which is seeking a grant from the US-based Rockefeller Foundation.