Egyptian Prime Minister Hisham Kandil referred on Sunday the new demonstrations bill to the Shura Council (upper house of parliament).

Supporters of the law insist that it agrees with international standards but those who oppose it believe that it gives the state unprecedented powers to oppress demonstrations.

According to the law, organizers must officially inform the police of their intention to stage a peaceful demonstrations three days prior to the event.

The police may order a change of the route of the demonstration as it sees suitable or order protesters to take down certain posters or stop them from chanting certain slogans that insult religions, incite violence or attack state institutions.