Egypt's top lawmaker has signalled a likely cancellation of the Emergency Law after recent amendments. Fathi Sorour, the veteran Speaker of the People's Assembly, told the talk show "Al Qahera Al Youm" on Orbit TV that the Emergency Law, which has been in force since 1981, could be revoked after it was recently amended to be limited to combatting terrorism and drug-related crimes. Opposition and human rights groups say the law, which gives police sweeping powers, is manipulated to oppress dissidents. Last May, the Parliament extended the controversial law by two more years amid outcry from opposition.
