International Shia News Agency

Egypt to run a sexual harassment ‘hotline’ during Eid

SHAFAQNA –  The Egyptian State Council for Women will operate a hotline allowing members of the public to report cases of sexual assault during Saturday’s Eid al-Adha festivities, al-Ahram Online reported. Through collaboration between the National Council for Women and the Police Department of Combating Violence against Women, officers will be expected to respond to instances of reported harassment in addition to arresting offenders, head of the council Mervat el-Talawy said.

The line will be open between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. during the four days of the official Eid holiday.

Although sexual harassment continues to be a pressing issue in Egypt, public festivities typically mark a surge in reported incidents.

During a gathering of supporters celebrating the inauguration of President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi, a video emerged of a woman, half naked and bloodied, being groped by the swarms of men surrounding her. By the time she got to an ambulance, she was completely naked and visibly bleeding.

Following the incident, and in an effort to curb  abuse, Sisi issued a decree in June that made sexual harassment a crime punishable by up to five years in prison, a fine, or both.

The United Nations estimates that more than 99 percent of Egyptian woman have experienced some  form of sexual harassment.

Source : http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2014/10/03/Egypt-to-operate-a-sexual-harassment-hotline-during-Eid.html

 

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