By Prensa Latina
Cairo : The Egyptian Shura (legislative upper house) approved a law prohibiting demonstrations in religious institutions and setting a prison term or fine for offenses.
The Protection to Temples’ Sanctity legislation, contemplates one year in prison or a fine between 180 and 900 dollars for those who organize or promote protests in religious temples, Al Masri Al Yom daily reported on Wednesday.
Participants in such demonstrations will receive six months in prison or a 90 to 350 dollar fine.
In both cases the defendants may choose either prison or fine.
Shura President Safwat al Sherif explained that the legislation provides for freedom of belief and worship, but prevents the temples from becoming places of controversy over nonreligious issues.