There's a new ban in Egypt. The country's interim president said there cannot be public gatherings of more than 10 people without prior government approval.
The law was published today and it imposes hefty fines and prison terms for violators. It bars protests and public gatherings. Those gatherings can include political election meetings and gatherings in public for worship. That is something Islamist groups do regularly.
It is considered more restrictive than rules about such gatherings under former Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak who was overthrown in 2011.Rights groups and activists immediately denounced it.
The law requires three-day prior notice for protests. Officials have the right to bar any protest or gathering consdiered a threat to public safety and order.
Police can also use force in curbing such gatherings if warnings aren't headed and groups have not been given permission to meet.