Egypt's interim President Adly Mansour has issued a new law that regulates all matters concerning the Egyptian flag, the national salute and the national anthem, presidential spokesman Ehab Badawi announced on Saturday.
Badawi said the law stems from the fact that the national flag and anthem are the state's symbols and thus should be respected, Al-Ahram's Arabic news website reported.
In accordance with the new law, anyone who insults the flag will receive a prison sentence of up to one year, and a fine with a maximum penalty of LE30,000.
The law stipulates that the Egyptian flag is constituted of three colours – red, white and black – and that it has an eagle. It also defines the flag's dimensions.
The law, according to Badawi, states that the military is to perform a salute during the raising and lowering of the flag. The law also specifies that the flag be raised on the presidential headquarters along with the headquarters of the cabinet, the cabinet's ministries, governmental institutions, courts, Egyptian consulates and embassies abroad, among others.
The flag should also be raised on the president's official residence as well as any vehicle he takes while performing his presidential tasks.
According to Badawi, military regulations determine the shape of flags for different military units and divisions.
The law requires the flag to be raised in a visible place in educational facilities that are under the education ministry's supervision. A salute to the flag should be performed every school day at all educational levels before university.
The law prohibits raising, displaying or trading a flag if it is damaged, faded or not suitable in any other way. It is also prohibited to add any slogans, designs or pictures to the flag.
No other flag but the Egyptian one can be raised, unless otherwise needed according to international norms and agreement. If another flag must be raised, then it can't be higher than the Egyptian one or placed on the same flagstaff.
The flag also can't be lowered, except in national mourning. Also, no other flag but the Egyptian one can be raised at public events.
Concerning the Egyptian national anthem, the law states that the national anthem is an artistic expression for national affiliation that emphasises communal solidarity. The president determines the way the anthem is played, in accordance with Egyptian traditions and international norms.
The law also stipulates that people should stand up in a show of respect when the anthem is played, while the military performs the salute as mandated by military regulations.
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