Egyptian president ratifies new ‘anti-terror’ law
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has ratified an anti-terrorism law which stipulates exorbitant fines, and possible suspension from employment, for "false" reporting on militant attacks.
The ratification was announced in the official gazette on Monday.
It sets a minimum fine of 200,000 pounds (about $25,000) and a maximum of 500,000 pounds (about $62,000) for anyone who strays from government statements in publishing or spreading "false" reports on attacks or security operations against militants.
It also lays out the death penalty for those convicted of leading "terrorist groups" or financing attacks.
The law, which was passed on Sunday seeks prison terms for those "inciting, or prepared to incite, directly or indirectly, a terrorist act".
The new law also allows courts to "prevent the convicted from practicing the profession for a period of no more than one year, if the crime violates the principles of the profession."
Critics say the steep fines may shut down smaller newspapers, and deter larger ones from independently reporting on attacks and operations against militants.
Although it did not specifically mention journalism, the law has raised fears that journalists could be put on trial for their reporting at any time the state sees necessary.
Three journalists have already been sentenced to up to 10 years in prison for "defaming" the country and supporting the blacklisted Muslim Brotherhood movement.
Hundreds of political opponents of the current military-backed government have been sentenced to death in mass trials since President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, the former army chief, overthrew former president Mohamed Morsi in July 2013.
Egyptian group kills 'Israeli agent' in Alexandria
Egypt’s Sisi sworn in for third term as president
Egypt will not allow forced displacement of Palestinians: Sisi
May 9: ‘Axis of Resistance’ operations against Israeli occupation
VIDEO | Venice: Police clash with pro-Palestine protesters at G7 Justice meeting
UNRWA closes al-Quds HQ after Israeli settlers torch it twice
VIDEO | 35th intl. book fair kicks off in Tehran
Iraqi resistance targets vital Israeli sites in Eilat in support of Gaza
Voting begins In Iran's run-off parliamentary election
VIDEO | Press TV’s news headlines
VIDEO | Five activists arrested as police close Vienna encampment
This makes it easy to access the Press TV website
