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Shura Council gives initial approval for witness protection law
A general view shows the Shura Council during its meeting in Cairo December 26, 2012. The Islamist-dominated upper house of parliament (Shura Council), which now holds legislate power, is meeting for the first time on Wednesday, under the newly-approved constitution. REUTERS/Asmaa Waguih
Egypt's Shura Council gave on Sunday its initial approval for a draft law on witness protection, informants and experts.
The government supports the draft law and considers it a cultural leap, Minister of Legal Affairs Hatem Bagato said.
The draft law which the cabinet presented to the council comprises 10 articles.
It provides guarantees of protection for witnesses, informants, experts and their relatives who are at risk in cases where their testimonies lead to uncovering a crime or criminal evidence or catching perpetrators, the state news agency MENA reported.
The law also commits the state to compensate the protected or his heirs in case of death.
This law ensures that information about the protected will remain private and the protection programme will continue until the court rules on the case.
Those who disclose information about the protected will be subject to imprisonment and paying a fine.
Minister of Justice Ahmed Seliman has said that the law aims at combating corruption in all government sectors.
