The Supreme Committee for legislative reform attributed Article 33 of the terrorism law that raised controversy to Egypt's Prime Ibrahim Mahlab, Al Bawaba newspaper reported. Article 33 of the draft law has caused widespread controversy during the past two days. It states: "A penalty of no less than two years imprisonment will be applied for those who publish false news or data about any terrorist operations in violation to the official statements issued by the authorities." Sources within the committee who asked to remain anonymous told the newspaper that this article was not part of the draft law prepared by the Ministry of Justice, adding that the Prime Minister decided to add it. However, the sources pointed out that there are four regulations before issuing an imprisonment sentence, which includes deliberately publishing false news and data that are contradictive to the official data about terrorist operations. The press syndicate refused Sunday article 33 of ‘anti-terrorism' draft law, saying that it restricts freedom of the press and that it violates the constitution.
