Egypt’s police have arrested 84 individuals during the first two days of Eid al-Fitr in Cairo for sexual harassment, announced the Ministry of Interior.
According to Major General Khaled Abdel Aal, all those arrested will be referred to the prosecution.
Ahead of Eid, Colonel Manal Atef, head of the department set up to tackle violence against women, revealed that there would be an increased number of female police officers on the streets and in public transportation to combat sexual harassment.
The department dealing with violence against women was established in 2013. Following this, Egypt passed an anti-harassment law in 2014, which penalizes those found guilty of sexual harassment with a fine of LE 3,000 to LE 5,000 ($419 to $700) and/or a jail sentence of no less than six months.
The intensified efforts come as public holidays often witness a surge of sexual violence against women. Egypt’s police had urged women to report harassment and to not remain silent.
According to a 2013 UN study, which was conducted in liaison with Egyptian NGOs and officials, 99 percent of women in Egypt have witnessed some form of sexual harassment.
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
YouTube
RSS