MP demands to issue electronic crimes bill to counter terror schemes

CAIRO – 4 March 2019: Parliamentarian Mohamed Abo Hamed called on Monday for the issuance of the electronic crimes draft law to counter the spread of rumors against the Egyptian state through social media platforms.

He stressed that this bill will halt attempts to stir up confusion and will punish the ones involved in inciting sedition through social media.

He pointed out that the recent period has seen numerous rumors especially regarding the train accident at Ramses Railway Station in order to incite hatred among Egyptians and spread chaos in the country.

Hamed also said that the bill will block several accounts used to spread rumors to face the schemes of terrorist groups.

On February 27, 2019, outlawed Muslim Brotherhood electronic militias circulated rumors on social media platforms that thousands of citizens are protesting at Tahrir Square.

The organized electronic militias attempted to take advantage of the frustration caused by the tragic train accident that left 20 people dead and more than 40 injured on Feb.27.