Egyptian Member of Parliament Amel Salamah has emphasized the need for swift and secure mechanisms to protect women who face violence and cyber-extortion. She called for the establishment of specialized units to receive reports and handle such incidents, rather than having victims resort to publishing them on social media platforms. This call was made during her appearance on the program "The Women Don't Know How to Lie."
Salamah highlighted that legislation and penalties are crucial in combating cybercrimes, but equally important is the protection of victims and rapid assistance. She also stressed the significance of promoting digital awareness among women and girls. The MP referenced the Personal Data Protection Law No. 151 of 2020, which was enacted by the Egyptian Parliament to tackle various cybercrimes and enhance related penalties.
Salamah cited a case of cyber-extortion in Sohag, where a 15-year prison sentence was handed down. She pointed out that addressing such crimes should not be limited to punishment alone but should also involve protecting victims and providing them with quick and secure means to seek help. The MP advocated for specialized units to handle violence against women, enabling them to report incidents and request assistance without needing to publish sensitive information online.
The Egyptian MP warned against turning the documentation of incidents into a social media trend. She emphasized the importance of distinguishing between documenting an incident to aid in uncovering the truth and publishing personal data or indecent images for the sake of publicity. Salamah cautioned that such actions could cause harm to victims and their families, stressing the need for increased digital awareness among families and young girls.
Salamah suggested that individuals who experience incidents that require documentation could instead retain the relevant material and present it to the concerned authorities to prove their rights or establish the incident. This approach would be more effective than hastily publishing it on social media platforms. She also underlined the role of education in addressing negative behaviors, advocating for a stronger focus on values, ethics, and national identity within schools.
The MP further elaborated on the importance of incorporating value education into school curricula, moving beyond mere memorization of texts to instilling these values in students' behaviors and practices. This can be achieved by encouraging them to engage in good deeds, respect others, and maintain privacy. Salamah concluded that tackling cyber violence and extortion requires a comprehensive system that combines legislation, victim protection, digital awareness, and education.
In conclusion, Salamah emphasized that a multi-faceted approach is necessary to effectively address the issues of violence and cyber-extortion against women. This includes providing specific channels for reporting incidents, raising awareness, and bolstering educational systems to promote a culture of respect and responsibility. By working together, Egyptian society can better protect its women and girls from these growing threats.
Key points
- Egyptian MP Amel Salamah calls for specialized units to handle violence against women.
- Salamah emphasizes the importance of digital awareness and education in preventing cybercrimes.
- The MP advocates for a comprehensive approach to tackling violence and cyber-extortion, including legislation, victim protection, and education.
