Strong Egypt Party leader Abdel Moneim Aboul Fotouh has claimed that a draft law on protests in Egypt shows clear evidence that "we are facing a suppressive power that has no legitimacy."
The former Muslim Brotherhood member said on Twitter on Thursday that the law on outlawing sit-ins and regulating protests makes it clear that Egypt is facing a "suppressive power" which "takes the freedoms, dignity and rights of Egyptians for granted."
A heated argument had broken out at a Tuesday Cabinet meeting between deputy Prime Minister Ziad Bahaa Eddin and Interior Minister Mohamed Ibrahim. While Bahaa Eddin reportedly opposed the draft law, the Cabinet had approved it by the meeting's close.
The law states that protesters must obtain permission from the interior minister to stage a protest and should refer to court if Ibrahim does not give potential demonstrators the go-ahead.
The draft law allows the Interior Ministry to forcibly break up a protest after undertaking certain nominal measures. Protesters should stage their demonstrations 50-100 meters away from police stations, the parliament building, houses of worship and other sites. Violations subject protesters to imprisonment and fines. Sit-ins are altogether banned.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
