Cairo: Egyptian President Abdul Fatah Al Sissi on Monday issued a decree empowering the army to join the police in securing state installations against attacks, official television reported.
The decree takes effect as of Tuesday for two years and covers public and vital installations including power plants, oilfields, gas pipelines, roads and bridges.
“These installations will be deemed as military establishments during the period of [joint] protection,” the broadcaster quoted the presidential decree as saying. “Crimes against these installations during this period will be handled by the military courts.”
The decree comes three days after 30 Egyptian army soldiers were killed in an attack in volatile northern Sinai, prompting the authorities to impose a state of emergency and a night-time curfew there. The attack was the deadliest against security forces since the military deposed Islamist president Mohammad Mursi in mid-2013.
The Egyptian government this week drafted a law allowing terrorist crimes to be handled by military courts. The draft is to be referred to Al Sissi, an ex-army chief, who also holds legislative power until a new parliament is elected.
Rights advocates criticise military tribunals for hasty procedures and tough penalties. Proponents say expanding the military courts’ jurisdiction is necessary to deter a surge in terrorist assaults blamed on Islamist militants.
