konknaijaboy | On 03, Jun 2014

A decree making dishonouring the Egyptian flag or not standing for the national anthem a criminal offence has been issued by the country’s outgoing interim president.

The decree from Adly Mansour, announced on Saturday, increased penalties suggested by the government last year. Now, the offence is punishable by sentences of up to one year in prison and a fine of more than $4,000.

According to the presidential decree, the flag and the national anthem are symbols of the state that must be honoured.

The decree increased previously suggested penalties from late last year, which were set at a maximum six months in prison and over $700 in fines.