Egypt removes jail sentence for journalists in anti-terror lawJuly 16, 2015 - 09:31 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Egypt has agreed to revise a controversial article of its touted anti-terrorism law threatening journalists with jail for reporting anything but the official line on jihadist attacks, the Guardian reported. The planned law, approved on July 1, sparked a backlash from Egyptian media after it included an article threatening at least two years in prison for publishing “false information on terrorist attacks that contradict official statements”. On Wednesday, July 15, Egypt’s cabinet agreed to remove the threat of jail under article 33, but replaced it with a heavy fine, the Mena news agency said. “The cabinet has agreed … to remove the prison sentence under article 33 and replace it by strengthening the fine, which can range from 200,000 to 500,000 Egyptian pounds ($25,000 to $64,000),” Mena said, quoting government spokesman Hossam al-Qawish. But an official from the Egyptian Journalists Syndicate, Khaled al-Balchi, said the revision just created “another type of imprisonment” as the fine would still be far beyond the means of most journalists. He also denounced the “totalitarian logic of the law, which aims to silence all opposition voices within the country”. The justice minister, Ahmed al-Zind, has said the article was first adopted because of the media coverage of a wave of bloody jihadist attacks against the army in the Sinai Peninsula on July 1. The military said 21 soldiers were killed in the violence, but media agencies reported higher tolls, citing unnamed security sources. Rights group Amnesty International said the draft law “represents a flagrant attack on the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association” and “weakens safeguards to ensure fair trials and widens the use of the death penalty”. “If approved, it is set to become yet another tool for the authorities to crush all forms of dissent,” said Said Boumedouha, the deputy director of the group’s Middle East and North Africa program. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. |