Egypt mulls tougher punishment against rumour mongers

Cairo: In a move slammed by critics of the Egyptian government as aimed at muzzling freedom of speech, the Parliament is set to debate a draft bill toughening penalties against spreading false news that "may threaten national security or cause public panic".

The bill envisages a minimum two-year imprisonment term compared to 24-hour jailing in the present penal code against anyone found guilty of rumour mongering.

"Spreading false information poses great dangers to public security and national economy," said MP Muhammad Qwaitah, who suggested the controversial law.

The bill, which was approved this week by an ad-hoc committee at the People's Assembly (the lower house of the Egyptian parliament), also calls for slapping a fine of LE10,000 ($1,820) instead of the current LE200, on rumour-mongers.

Denying that his proposal targets freedom of speech, Qwaitah, a member of the ruling National Democratic Party, told Gulf News that the sole aim of the law is to "deter rumour-mongers".

“Lenient punishment apparently encourages such persons to spread false news. Who can forget the panic caused among the public last year by the rumour that the Nile water was contaminated?" argued MP Qwaith. "The false rumour about President Hosni Mubarak's health was dangerous too," he added.