Egypt’s lawyers want anti-abuse law

Tahrir Square sees systemic sexual abuse Cairo - Mariana Youssef A legal group known as the Egyptian Women Lawyers has demanded state protection for those taking part in peaceful, legitimate protests after a wave of high-profile rape cases reaffirmed Egypt’s endemic problem with sexual harassment and misogyny. The group confirmed women’s rights to protest “freely and safely” during peaceful, legitimate demonstrations. Incidents like the ones seen in Tahrir Square last week, after a video emerged of a woman being gang raped during clashes, aimed at “removing women from Egypt’s political scene,” the group said in a statement. Executive Director Heba Adel, who is leading the campaign, told Arabstoday: "The word 'harassment' has never been featured in Egyptian law, which means that many actions that can be fairly described as harassment are not criminalised. This is sorely needed in light of the current circumstances." Adel also addressed comments recently made by Prime Minister Hisham Kandil, in which he blamed women in the Beni Suef governorate for being raped. "The Egyptian government's silence shows a clear disregard for Egyptian women,” the lawyer said. “This was clear in Kandil’s remarks about the rape of women, saying they are responsible for the spread of disease.” Adel also highlighted a number of high-profile assault cases, which “reveal the way the ruling powers address women’s issues.” Activist Shahenda Maklad was sexually assaulted outside the Ittihadiya presidential palace, whilst authorities attempted to remove Doriya Shafeeq from education. “The slander and insults directed at women on some religious channels, by people who claim to speak in the name of religion, are abominable and unacceptable,” Adel said.