CRACKDOWN

Egypt Imposes Harsh Anti-Terror Laws

Includes secret courts, death penalty.

Egyptian president Abdel Fatah al-Sisi approved sweeping anti-terrorism laws Monday, which offer added protections to law enforcement officials using force and introduce the death penalty for people who lead government-designated terrorist organizations. The laws come as militants step up their attacks on Egypt, including a car bomb that killed the country’s head prosecutor. Among other stiff penalties, the law sets up special courts to fast-track terrorism cases, and promises to fine journalists if they deviate from official accounts of attacks. Opponents of the laws say they will be used to unfairly target opposition groups, including the Muslim Brotherhood.