Egyptian Parliament Passes Law to Regulate Press & Media

The House of Representatives approved a new draft law regulating press and media, and referred it over to the State Council.

The bill, which consists of 109 articles, is reflecting the constitutional principles about the protection of freedom of expression.

The bill makes clear that the state guarantees the freedom of press and all forms of media. In addition, it denies all kinds of censorship to the newspapers and media.

It also includes a clear prohibition for the establishment of any media or newspaper that is based on any sort of discrimination.

For Journalists, the bill stresses that they cannot be forced to disclose their sources. It adds that no restriction can be imposed on the access or availability of information.

Article 19 of the bill states that any newspaper, media outlet or website is prohibited from publishing or broadcasting false news and encouraging or inciting, violence, hatred, discrimination between citizens, calling for racism or intolerance and violation of the law. It also prohibits slander or insult to religions.

The article also applies to personal blogs or social media accounts with more than 5,000 followers.

And in article 29, there is a prohibition for detaining a journalist for a matter related to a publication, except when it comes to incite violence or hatred.

Chairman of the Information Committee Osama Heikal said that they held 39 meetings to discuss the draft law.