UN rights watchdog criticises Egypt's public protest law
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The United Nations has criticized Egypt's law on public protests, saying it would curb freedoms and breach international rules.
Rupert Colville, spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said that although freedom of assembly can be subject to certain restrictions, freedom should be considered the rule, and restrictions the exception.
According to News24, he said draft legislation approved last week by Egypt's cabinet would undermine 'one of the cornerstones of democracy'.
The draft stipulates that organisers must inform authorities in advance of plans to protest and the interior ministry has the right to reject a demonstration.
Protests will be restricted to a specific location in each province to be decided by the governor.
The draft also prohibits setting up platforms for speakers and the use of tents during sit-ins, as well as the carrying of banners or the chanting of slogans deemed defamatory or insulting to religion or state institutions. (ANI)
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