Egypt Approves Demo against Disputed Protest Law

Egypt said it has approved a request for a demonstration on Wednesday against a new protest law that has faced stiff opposition since it was enacted at the weekend.

The interior ministry said the demonstration organized by activist groups would be held at Talaat al-Harb Square in downtown Cairo later on Wednesday.

The first to win official approval since the disputed law on demonstrations was adopted on Sunday, the rally would also demand the release of detained protesters.

On Tuesday, police arrested dozens of people as they broke up protests by youth movements and activists against the law that bans demonstrations held without prior notice.

During the night, 28 protesters were released, but another 24 have been ordered into detention for four days.

The new law requires protest organizers to apply to the ministry for permission to hold any demonstrations at least three days before they are staged.

The disputed law says protesters can be jailed for up to five years if found guilty of offenses ranging from covering their faces to carrying weapons during demonstrations.

It also says security forces must first verbally warn protesters at prohibited demonstrations to disperse before using water cannon or tear gas, and should only gradually escalate to the firing of birdshot if other means fail.