MPs draft bill to remove anti-blasphemy article from criminal code in Egypt
The Egyptian parliament’s constitutional and legislative committee is seeking Al-Azhar, Dar Al-Ifta and the Coptic Orthodox Church’s opinions about removing the anti-blasphemy article from the criminal code, after which it will prepare a comprehensive report about the proposal.
Egypt’s Radio and Television Union’s website reported that MPs Nadia Henry, Mohamed Zakareya Mohi El-Din and Mona Mounir submitted a draft law to remove Article 98 (f) concerning insulting religion, as a number of MPs think it is vague and can lead to contradictions in verdicts based on judges’ preferences, and is contrary to press freedom.
The justice ministry strongly opposed the draft law to remove the article, saying it violates the constitution, which stipulates that “discrimination and incitement of hatred are crimes punished by the law” (Article 53).
Article 98 (f) criminalises “whoever exploits religion in order to promote extremist ideologies by word of mouth, in writing or in any other manner, with a view to stirring up sedition, disparaging or contempt of any divine religion or its adherents, or threatening national unity, shall be punished with imprisonment from six months to five years, or pay a fine of at least EGP500.”
MP Mohamed Anwar Esmat El-Sadat said on Monday the three religious entities’ opinions will define the controversial article’s fate, in a statement reported by Al-Ahram Arabic website.
El-Sadat said all viewpoints must be listened to so that a consensual wording is reached to protect “religious constants” without violating freedom of expression.
The law has been used recently to target several people in high-profile cases, including four Christian high students who were sentenced to five years in prison for recording a satirical video; well-known writer Fatma Naaout who was sentenced to three years for her comments about the slaughter of animals during Muslim festivals; and TV presenter Islam El-Beheiry who was sentenced to one year for his statements regarding Islam and reform.
source: Ahram Online
