Egypt steps up penalties for sexual harassment
Multiple studies have found that most Egyptian women have experienced sexual harassment at least once in their lives.
People shop at a market on the eve of the first day of Ramadan, in Cairo, Egypt, 12 April 2021 (Issued 13 April 2021). Muslims around the world celebrate the holy month of Ramadan by praying during the night time and abstaining from eating, drinking, and sexual acts during the period between sunrise and sunset. Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar and it is believed that the revelation of the first verse in Koran was during its last 10 nights. EPA-EFE/Mohamed Hossam
Egypt’s parliament on Sunday passed a law toughening sentences for sexual harassment to at least five years in prison, Egyptian media outlets reported.
The amendment makes sexual harassment a criminal offence, as opposed to a misdemeanour, and raises the minimum penalty from a year and half in prison plus a fine.
It also imposes a minimum sentence of seven years in prison for crimes in which the attacker uses a weapon, or in which multiple attackers are involved.
Multiple studies have found that most Egyptian women have experienced sexual harassment at least once in their lives.
Recent years have also seen a string of group attacks in crowded areas
