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Why Egypt is amending its terrorism law

Draft law amendments have been approved in order to effectively counter terrorism and terrorism financing in Egypt, but opponents argue the measures are unconstitutional.
A member of Egypt special police forces guards the Coptic Orthodox White Monastery site in Sohag, Egypt April 6, 2019. REUTERS/Mohamed Abd El Ghany - RC120782D770
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CAIRO — The Council of Ministers approved Jan. 8 the draft amendments to Law No. 8 of 2015, with the goal of making more effective the measures to counter terrorism and terrorism financing. The amendments involve expanding the general prosecution’s powers of freezing the assets and funds of individuals and entities affiliated with terrorist groups or activities.

While Article 7 of the law requires freezing and seizing the funds of such individuals and entities when used in a terrorist activity only, the new amendments grant the authorities the right to freeze all of the funds the defendants own. The amendments stipulate freezing the funds or other assets owned solely or jointly or controlled directly or indirectly by the individual and entity, as well as the returns generated from these properties, and the funds or assets of the individuals and entities acting on their behalf.

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