A/HRC/28/16 103. Denmark expressed concern regarding alleged torture and ill-treatment by security forces. 104. Djibouti appreciated the participatory process undertaken in the drafting of the National report. 105. Equatorial Guinea welcomed the adoption of the amended Constitution. 106. Eritrea noted Egypt’s efforts to protect human rights. 107. Estonia encouraged Egypt to extend a standing invitation to special procedures. 108. Ethiopia welcomed laws to combat violence against women and corruption. 109. Finland expressed concern about the treatment of civil society and human rights organizations. 110. France welcomed the importance afforded to fundamental freedoms in the amended Constitution. 111. Gabon commended measures to tackle illiteracy and provide adequate housing. 112. Germany asked how ill-treatment in detention was prevented and how due process was ensured. 113. Ghana commended the People’s Assembly Act, which allocated seats in the Assembly to women. 114. Greece asked for information on the public consultation for the bill on NGOs. 115. Hungary noted developments regarding gender equality and due process. 116. Iceland welcomed the provision in the amended Constitution to combat violence against women. 117. The Egyptian delegation stated that, regarding the arrest of protesters, the right to protest is enshrined in article 73 of the Constitution. A protest law was adopted in November 2013 in compliance with article 19 of ICCPR. Decisions to arrest, detain and further convict protesters are made by ordinary courts in line with national legislation and after thorough investigations. Those arrested have either not notified the relevant authorities of their intended demonstration or used violence. The protest law is being reviewed by the Constitutional Court. Defenders were sentenced for committing offenses punishable under the Penal Code and are entitled to appeal. No one is detained for his or her opinion or for exercising the right to freedom of expression. The General Prosecutor is currently investigating the events of July and August 2013. Findings will be released as soon as the investigations are over. 118. The death penalty is restricted to very serious crimes. It is served after consultation with the Grand Mufti and in all cases after referral to the Court of Cassation. The President is entitled to issue a pardon. 119. There is no torture in prisons and the national authorities, along with the National Council for Human Rights, are overseeing places of detention and interrogation centres so as to ensure the proper conditions are provided to all prisoners. All allegations of torture and ill-treatment are investigated, and perpetrators are brought to justice. Torture is a punishable crime. 120. India appreciated steps towards democracy and adequate representation of women in parliament. 121. Indonesia appreciated efforts to eradicate illiteracy and strengthen links with civil society. 10

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