Egypt’s parliament approves imposing state of emergency for 3 months due to ‘threatening security, health conditions’

CAIRO – 27 April 2021: Egypt’s House of Representatives approved in its plenary session on Tuesday to impose a state of emergency for three months.

President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi issued the decision to impose the state of emergency, and then it was referred by the Parliament’s Speaker Hanafy el-Gebaly to be reviewed by the General committee and then the decision returned to a plenary session for a vote.

Explaining the reasons behind the decision, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said “there are threats to Egypt’s national security,” in his statement before the parliament Monday.

Madbouly added that there are those who target Egypt’s security, “we do not fear any threats, and Egypt’s soldiers address these threats… threats to our national security are faced by vigilant eyes of our armed forces and brave police forces.”

“In light of the circumstances that Egypt is going through, the majority of the members of the Cabinet decided to declare a state of emergency through the country, in accordance with what was stated in the President’s decision,” Mabdouly said.

He further added that the Egyptian government renews its commitment to use exceptional measures while balance between protecting public freedoms, maintaining security and confronting terrorism.

According to the text that was published in Egypt’s official gazette Tuesday morning, the reasons for declaring a state of emergency in Egypt is due to “threatening security and health conditions the country is experiencing.”

The published decision says that the state of emergency is imposed for three months starting Sunday at 1 am.

It also says that whoever violates the orders issued shall be punished by imprisonment, while Article Two of the decision stipulates that the Armed Forces and the Police shall take the necessary measures to protect the country from terrorism and its financing, maintain security throughout the country, protect public and private property and preserve the lives of citizens.