Amnesty International urged Egyptian authorities to immediately revoke a law that incriminates protests, saying it violates international agreements signed by Egypt.
In a statement published on its website Saturday, the organization said Egyptian authorities should make use of the historic moment following the 25 January revolution to introduce reform and show commitment to the protection of labor rights.
A law passed by Egypt's interim government criminalizes calling for or participating in protests that disrupt business or involve violence while the emergency law remains in effect. Those convicted could end up in jail for a year or paying a fine of LE500,000.
The Amnesty International statement called for the protection of labor rights, the removal of restrictions on the formation of trade unions, the introduction of a minimum wage and the restoration of workers who were fired from their jobs for their activism.
It described the demands of protesters as "legitimate and not novel," saying Egyptian authorities have an opportunity to respond to the demands of workers and to fulfill their pledges.
The organization also said that poverty and a lack of social justice and dignity are among the fueling factors of the revolution.
The statement further said that in 2010, thousands of workers form the private and public sectors protested over the increase in prices and called for better salaries and working conditions. However, the issuing of the protest ban subjects protesters and those who call for protests to detention and heavy fines, according to Amnesty International.
The organization's statement also said the law violates Article 8 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, which Egypt signed.
Amnesty International further stated that Egyptian authorities should protect the right to peaceful assembly, following Article 21 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. It added that issuing the protest ban at a time when people are demanding their dignity and right is a "major setback."
Translated from the Arabic Edition
