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Egypt Enforces Penalties For Bullying People With Disabilities

Egypt’s parliament – the House of Representatives – approved on Tuesday a legislative amendment that toughens penalties against bullying people with disabilities. The new article states that the bully will be punished by imprisonment for a period of one year in prison and a fine of not less than EGP 50,000 and not more than EGP 100,000. In case the bullying is committed by one of the victim’s relatives, or one of those responsible for his observation or upbringing, or those who have authority over him, the penalty can be increased to up to two years in prison and a fine not less than EGP 100,000 and not exceeding EGP 200,000. Penalties’ minimum-maximum limits can be doubled for repeat offenders. Ibrahim El-Heneidi, chairman of the House’s legislative and constitutional affairs committee said that the government shall guarantee tax exemption and the health, housing, employment, accessibility, representation, sporting, transportation, and educational rights of persons with disabilities. “The act of bullying is a crime that should be condemned by society”, he added. In other words, the human rights perspective rather than the charity approach is obvious in this new law since people with special needs are equal citizens who have the same rights and obligations as everyone and not a group or individuals deserving charity support.