Egyptian parliament starts discussing a new law for the civil associations

The Egyptian parliament is to start tomorrow discussing a new draft law for new civil associations, after obtaining the support of a parliamentary subcommittee that stated in its report that it will fulfill the required needs for developing volunteer work.

Meanwhile, three human rights activists resumed a protest on the draft law and delegates from 14 organizations convened a press conference yesterday in which they said they would not commit to the law if it is issued without an amendment.

The strikers are Aida Esmat Seif El-Dawla, Swzan Faiyad and lawyer Rahma Refaat. This strike comes as part of an effort to stop discussion of the draft law and form an urgent hearing session in the parliament in which rights activists could raise their opinions.

A statement issued by the organizations said the new draft prohibited political or union activity, in contradiction with the constitution, which guarantees this democratic right.