Egyptian citizens should respect the anti-protest law and ask for permission before going to a protest, giving the reason and place of the protest before they head out, says Mamdouh Shaheen, assistant to the Minister of Defence today.
Shaheen, a member of the Supreme Council of Armed Forces, was responding to a question about the detainment of protesters at the end of a session of the National Conference, led by Deputy Prime Minister Yehia El Gamal. The anti-protest law Shaheen referred to was approved by the cabinet on 23 March and criminalises strikes, protests, demonstrations and sit-ins that interrupt private or state-owned businesses or have a negative impact on the economy. Since then, tens of protesters have been detained during various demonstrations.
Shaheen also said the Egyptian army belongs only to the people and insisted that the armed forces answer the demands of the people with bias.
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