Egypt steps up penalties for sexual harassment

Egypt steps up penalties for sexual harassment
Egypt's parliament on Sunday passed a law toughening sentences for sexual harassment to at least five years in prison, Egyptian media outlets reported. 
1 min read
Multiple studies have found that most Egyptian women have experienced sexual harassment at least once in their lives (Getty)

Egypt's parliament on Sunday passed a law toughening sentences for sexual harassment to at least five years in prison, Egyptian media outlets reported. 

The amendment makes sexual harassment a criminal offence, as opposed to a misdemeanour, and raises the minimum penalty from a year and half in prison plus a fine.

It also imposes a minimum sentence of seven years in prison for crimes in which the attacker uses a weapon, or in which multiple attackers are involved.

Multiple studies have found that most Egyptian women have experienced sexual harassment at least once in their lives.

Recent years have also seen a string of group attacks in crowded areas.