[JURIST] Egypt has prevented hundreds of individuals from leaving the country over the past year, Human Rights Watch (HRW) [advocacy website] reported [text] Sunday. The government has reportedly denied permission to political leaders, youth activists, people associated with nongovernmental groups and a former aide to ousted President Mohamed Morsi. Those who experienced the travel restrictions stated they were stopped going through passport control and interrogated by the Interior Ministry’s National Security Agency. They were then bared from leaving the country and several were not given a specific reason for the ban. HRW said Egyptian Authorities should return all passports, end nonjudicial restrictions and give citizens recourse to travel bans.

Egypt has faced repeated criticism for human rights violations. In August Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi [BBC profile] approved [JURIST report] the new 54-article counter-terrorism law, which has been met with significant controversy as many believe it to be an infringement on freedom of the press. Many have said that the law defines [AP report] “terrorism” broadly and gives free reign to law enforcement agents as to force allowed in defending against terrorism, as well as imposing harsh sentences and fines. HRW criticized [JURIST report] the new law saying it infringes on freedom of the press. HRW’s Deputy Middle East and North Africa Director said, “[t]he government has equipped itself with even greater powers to continue stamping out its critics and opponents under its vague and ever-expanding war on terrorism.”