Parliament Applies New Penalities for Sexual Harassment & Bullying

Egypt’s parliament has approved the government’s proposed amendments of legislation punishing sexual harassment and bullying. The amendments target articles 306 (A) and (B) as well as 309 (B) of the penal code, introducing stricter punishments for the respective crimes.

According to article 306 (A), all forms of sexual harassment including physical, verbal, visual and online will be punished with up to four years in prison and a fine with up to EGP 200,000. In article 306 (B), which covers sexual harassment committed on public transporation or at a workplace, the punishment will include imprisonment with up to five years and a fine of up to EGP 300,000.

According to article 309 (B), all forms of bullying offences committed on the basis of gender, race, religion, health or mental status, or social class will be punishable with up to one year in prison and a fine of up to EGP 100,000.