Egyptian parliament discusses law to regulate drones’ use

CAIRO – 5 November 2017: The Egyptian House of Representatives will continue discussing on Monday the draft law which governs the use and trade of drones – one of the most important laws drafted to face terrorism.

The draft law clarified the gravity of these drones as some terrorist elements use them to spot armed forces and police positions and target them remotely.

The drone is defined in the law as an unpiloted aircraft or spacecraft whatever shape or size it might be, carrying additional loads; be it equipment, armament, ammunition or explosives, and operated and controlled remotely.

The draft law states that in order for ministries, local administrations, public bodies, private and local companies, and persons to be allowed to use, trade or import such drones, they must obtain a permit from the competent authority, the Ministry of Defense.

The permit will be granted in accordance with the conditions and procedures specified by the executive regulations of this law, subject to the provisions of the Civil Aviation Law promulgated by Law No. 28 of 1981.

Violating this regulation would entail a period of imprisonment of no less than one year and no more than seven years, and/or a fine of no less than LE 5,000 ($283.54) and no more than LE 50,000.

The court has the jurisdiction to confiscate these drones and use them in the armed forces.

In case of these drones being used to commit terror crimes, terrorists will be subjected to the death penalty.

Kamal Amer, the head of the Egyptian parliament's National Defense and Security Committee, pointed out that the law was drafted in order to protect national security and confront terrorist groups.