The Egyptian government has increased punishment for trespassers against public and private property, a week after President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi called on officials to “act decisively” on the matter.
The cabinet on Wednesday introduced an amendment on the Penal Code so that punishment for property transgression sees to a minimum jailing term of five years and the payment of 500,000-1,000,000 pounds fine.
Any individual exploiting public or charity-designated property, especially by the agricultural sector, will be punishable by law. Transgressions include cultivating crops and unlicensed construction in designated plots.
Sisi, late December, criticized public officials for negligence and corruption in matters related to state property, urging to collect dues for state-owned property in a timely manner.
Some crimes, such as real-estate fraud and property-related tax evasion, saw amendments boosting punishment, such as the relevant minimal and maximal prison sentences to two and seven years respectively, alongside the payment of a minimum fine of 100,000 pounds.
If coercive force was used in a case of property transgression, such as the usage of arms or mobs including 10 or more members, even if unarmed, it will invoke a prison sentence of no less than three years that can go up to seven years, and a fine between 500,000-1,000,000 pounds.
