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The LCHR presents a challenge to the unconstitutionality of the law that sentences citizens to imprisonment when they don't pay the cleaning tolls and taxes
The LCHR has presented challenge no. 751/61 on behalf of the people of El Warrak city – Giza governorate. The suit has been presented before the administrative judiciary court challenging the unconstitutionality of law no. 308 for the year 1955, especially after the Giza governor has lately confiscated the property of some people when they didn't pay the cleaning tolls, as some people refuse to pay these tolls because the government doesn't clean their streets or homes. There are piles of garbage all over the city that spread pollution and diseases. The people's refusal to pay has resulted into imprisoning some of them, which is a violation to the Egyptian constitution especially articles no. 34, 40, 64, 65 and 68, as the confiscation decisions were issued by the executive authorities, not the judiciary authority. The confiscation decision violates people's rights to ownership and litigation. It is also a violation to the judiciary independence, as the executive authority cannot be an adversary, an arbitrator and an executioner at the same time.
The LCHR sees that these actions done by the Giza governorate are a violation to people's rights to litigation, safety and freedom. The governorate collects cleaning tolls and imprisons those who don't pay, while it is neglecting it duties in cleaning the streets and homes, leaving the garbage piled on both sides of the road, which is considered bullying, as the state is collecting money for something that it doesn't do.
The LCHR calls all Egyptian CSOs to unite in solidarity with the Giza people to stop their imprisonment and the violation of their rights to safety, freedom and decent living.
The LCHR also demands the Prime Minister, the Minister of Environment and the Giza governor to apply the law, stop confiscating people's property, stop their imprisonment and clean up El Warrak streets as a guarantee to people's right to live in a clean environment.
For more information, please contact the Center.