Amid protests, government seeks extension of emergency law in Egypt, with some limitations
By APTuesday, May 11, 2010
Egypt government seeks extension of emergency law
CAIRO — Egypt’s government has called for an extension of the country’s controversial emergency law for two years, but with some new limitations on police powers.
More than 100 opposition lawmakers and democracy activists are protesting outside parliament demanding lawmakers reject any extension. Parliament, dominated by ruling party members, is due to vote on the measure Tuesday and is certain to pass it.
The emergency law, in place since 1981, gives police wide powers of arrest. Under the new provisions, police would only be allowed to use them in cases connected to terrorism or drug dealing, and a few police powers would be eliminated, according to Cabinet minister Moufid Shehab.
Human rights groups say the government has used the law to suppress dissent.
