Egypt 'must scrap plans to outlaw protest'

cafonline

1 April 2011

The Egyptian government must immediately scrap plans to outlaw peaceful protests and strikes, it has been urged.
Commenting ahead of a planned march against the draft law today (1 April), Amnesty International said the plan is "an insult" to the people who lost their lives during recent protests in Egypt.
The Egyptian cabinet is considering making it illegal to participate in action that may "hinder the work of public institutions or authorities during a state of emergency".
Protesters defying the proposed law could face fines or jail, the charity noted.
"The Egyptian authorities should protect the right to protest and strike but instead they are entrenching repressive measures, all too well known to Egyptians," the organisation added.
Protests and strikes have continued since the resignation of former president Hosni Mubarak last month, primarily over the rising cost of living in the country.
Earlier this month, Amnesty International emphasised the importance of Egyptians being able to vote freely in the constitutional referendum, which took place on 19 March.
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