Skip to main content

Egyptian activists fear new penalties for foreign funding

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has issued a presidential decree increasing punishment for groups receiving foreign funding in the context of counterterrorism, but activists fear the new measures will target them.
Activists, accused of working for unlicensed non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and receiving illegal foreign funds, stand in a cage during the opening of their trial in Cairo March 8, 2012. An Egyptian judge said on Thursday he was delaying until April 10 the trial of civil society activists including 16 Americans accused of receiving illegal foreign funds and pursuing their pro-democracy activities without a licence. REUTERS/Mohamed Abd El Ghany  (EGYPT - Tags: CIVIL UNREST POLITICS CRIME LAW) - RTR2Z1
Read in 

Once again, Egyptian authorities have raised controversy among lawyers and activists as a result of legislative decisions and amendments to laws regarding acts threatening the country’s security. On Sept. 23, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi issued a presidential decree to amend Article 78 of the Penal Code to include harsher punishment on those receiving foreign funding, within the context of the counterterrorism policy pursued by Egypt since the outbreak of the events of June 30, 2013.

According to the amendments, the same punishments are to be applied to anyone making offers or promises of foreign financial support including mediators. This amendment covers verbal offers, but also, "In case the request, or offer and the approval thereof was made through electronic or regular mail, the crime shall be considered committed once the letter or statement is issued.”

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.