Critics of Egypt’s new anti-terrorism law, fear it will be used to crush dissent and stifle press freedom.<br /><br /> The addition to the law books, introduced by decree by President al-Sisi, is intended to counter a two-year Islamist insurgency.<br /><br /> The law imposes the death penalty for anyone founding a group deemed by the government to be a “terrorist entity”.<br /><br /> Financing “terrorist groups” brings a life sentence, which in Egypt means 25 years. Inciting violence will lead to 5-7 years in jail. <br /><br /> The new law also creates fast-track courts to try suspected militants, without specifying whether trials will be open or closed to the public.<br /><br /> It also protects law enforcers such as the military and the police from legal consequences if they use force.<br /><br /> Among other measures, journalists face large fines if they contradict official versions of terrorist attacks.<br /><br /> The original version prompted an outcry after stipulating imprisonment.<br /><br /> “The journalists’ criticisms are legitimate, but on the other h
