Demonstrative rights

By Hafez Abu Saada

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The right to demonstrate is enshrined in the constitution and international human rights charters. It is an integral part of the democratic process and, when exercised properly, provides the public with a necessary channel of self expression. This right should not be the subject of legislation except where laws are enacted to protect, and not impede, the orderly expression of opinions. Demonstrators must not, of course, impinge on the rights of other groups, and this is the only thing legislators need to worry about.

There should, of course, be a clear procedure that must be followed before any demonstration, as is the case in other countries. The organisers of any demonstration are obliged to contact the relevant authorities and inform them of the venue of the meeting or the route of any intended march together with the timing of the event. Such notice is necessary so that the security services can afford the demonstration the necessary protection. Demonstrators must refrain from harming public or private property, and they must not carry weapons of any description.

For its part, the Ministry of Interior must give clear and strict instructions to the security forces. They should not use force to break up demonstrations. In particular, the security forces have to refrain from using truncheons or electrified sticks, and the firing bullets, real or rubber, must be prohibited. Egypt has two laws regulating the right to demonstrate peacefully, Law 10/1914 and Law 14/1923. Both are in urgent need of revision to bring them up to date and make them more compatible with the right to assemble and demonstrate peacefully.

This week's Soapbox speaker is secretary-general of the Egyptian Organisation for Human Rights and a board member of the National Council for Human Rights.