The Egyptian House of Representatives on Wednesday approved, by majority, the decision of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to extend the country’s state of emergency for another three months, beginning January 24. The representatives agreed to extend the state of emergency due to serious security and health concerns. According to emergency law in Egypt, the president can, under a state of emergency, restrict freedom of assembly, movement, and residency in the country. The powers of law enforcement are also greatly broadened, and citizens can be arrested detained for extended periods of time if they are deemed a threat to national security. Censorship is legalized under a state of emergency, and the government can, in the name of security, shut down media outlets.

Source: Egypt Independent January 21, 2021 11:26 UTC