Parliamentary speaker Ali Abdul Aal preliminarily approved a non-governmental organisations (NGOs) draft law suggested by member of parliament Abdel Hady Al-Kasaby in Monday’s session, according to state-run Al-Ahram.
Abdul Aal’s approval came following the endorsement of the committees discussing the draft law, including the committees of social solidarity, family and people with disabilities, and constitutional and legislative affairs.
The session saw disputes between MPs and government representatives, after the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Magdi Al-Agati demanded that the committee discuss the government’s draft law which was sent to parliament by the cabinet on 2 November. The committee has still not received this draft.
Al-Kasaby submitted to Abdul Aal a letter from civil society NGOs with their recommendations.
Civil society NGOs have been calling for an announcement of the law, in order to limit security crackdown on their members and to regulate their work.
Maat for Peace, Development, and Human Rights passed on to parliament its vision regarding the anticipated law on Monday, which came as result of a number of sessions conducted with NGO members working on assuring freedoms, as they are facing the most restrictions.
Several NGO members are accused of illegally receiving foreign funding and face their assets being frozen following court sessions.
