Emergency law in Egypt

In Egypt, the emergency law (Law No. 162/1958) details the governance and declaration mechanisms of a state of emergency.

During a state of emergency, government and police powers are extended, constitutional rights are suspended, censorship is legalised and habeas corpus is abolished. Non-governmental political activity and freedom of movement is restricted, including street demonstrations, unapproved political organizations and unregistered financial donations. A special court is also established to overview crimes subject to its jurisdiction. The emergency law permits indefinite detention without trial and hearings of civilians by military courts, prohibits gatherings of more than five people, and limits speech and association. The government is empowered to imprison individuals for any period of time, and for virtually no reason.

Pro-democracy advocates in Egypt argued that the long-running states of emergency in Egypt go against the principles of democracy, which include a citizen's right to a fair trial and their right to vote.