Egypt Should Do More To Protect Rights: Daily Brief
Egypt’s president lifted a nationwide state of emergency, but more should be done to protect rights; a new law in Malaysia could further limit justice for police violence; Turkmen activists face torture if deported; more countries want safer schools for children.
Egypt’s president Abdel Fattah-al Sisi has announced he is lifting the nationwide state of emergency. This is a positive step, but Egypt should do more by removing laws that were passed during the state of emergency that restrict freedom of participation and expression. All the thousands who were arrested because of these laws should be freed.
The Malaysian parliament should reject the proposed police complaints law and create an independent commission that will ensure real justice for police abuses.
Turkmenistan has a long history of punishing government critics. The Turkish government should not deport detained Turkmen activists to Turkmenistan, where they could be arrested and tortured.
Governments can do more to ensure that schools remain safe places where children can learn and play. More countries are passing laws and regulations that limit the use of schools as military bases.