Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi ratified on Wednesday amendments to the country's police law banning members of the police from participating in protests, joining political groups, or speaking to the media without prior authorisation, Ahram Arabic news website reported.

The amendments, which were approved by the House of Representatives last week, relate to eight articles in the 1971 police authority law.

The president also extended the public buildings protection law – issued in 2014 and set to expire after two years – for another five years starting 28 October.

The public buildings protection law stipulates that the Armed Forces are to coordinate and assist police in protecting and securing public buildings and facilities, including energy plants, gas pipelines, railways, bridges and highways.

The law states that those who commit crimes in such facilities are subject to military prosecution.