Egypt endorses controversial anti-terrorism law

Egypt’s parliament has endorsed a controversial anti-terrorism law five months after it was approved by President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.

#Egypt’s #parliament endorses controversial anti-#terrorism law
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— The Cairo Post (@TheCairoPost) January 18, 2016

The law was ratified following a wave of deadly attacks led by the Islamic State.

Among the measures to be taken in the newly enacted legislature, security officers will be shielded from prosecution when in the line of duty.

The law also imposes the death penalty to people convicted of financing terror groups and prison terms for conspirators.

It will also inflict fines on journalists who report information that contradicts official statements on attacks.

Despite outcry from human right groups, the Egyptian parliament passed the law on Sunday with 457 votes to 24 without any amendment to the original decree issued by President al-Sisi in August.

“The (anti-terrorism) law was imposed during exceptional circumstances when the country was exposed to danger but, after these dangers subside, there should be a balance between protecting the state and its institutions and preserving human rights,” opposition legislator, Mohamed Salah Khalifa said.

The legislative assembly also approved a 2014 decree that will lead to the increase of jurisdiction of military courts and the protection of critical government facilities.