The United States has denounced Egypt's newly expanded counter-terrorism law, expressing concern that it could affect human rights.
President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi signed a law Sunday that would expand the government's surveillance powers and, according to critics, muzzle dissent and target critics.
Human rights activists have accused Sisi of leading an increasingly repressive regime.
"We are concerned that some measures in Egypt's new anti-terrorism law could have a significant detrimental impact on human rights and fundamental freedoms," State Department spokesman John Kirby said.
But Kirby reaffirmed that Washington stands with Egypt in its fight against terror.
He also echoed comments made by Secretary of State John Kerry at a strategic dialogue in Cairo earlier this month, where Kerry called for finding an equilibrium between counter-terrorism and preserving human rights.
The new law comes after a string of attacks on military and police by the Sinai Province, the local affiliate of the group Islamic State.
AFP
