“The starting point for this law is that the right to protest is a human right and must be given full care and attention,” he said. “It is just that practicing this right must be met with a sense of responsibility so it won’t damage security or terrorize or assault establishments.”

Asked about those who failed to seek permission for their protests — like the Islamists who consider the current government illegal — Mr. Beblawi said: “Like a man who kills or another who deals in drugs, all those commit violations, and as soon as they commit such violations, if arrested, they will be put to trial and punished.”

The new law effectively bans any public gathering of more than 10 people without government approval. It requires notification of the authorities three days in advance. It specifically bans all demonstrations at places of worship. Organizers across the political spectrum have customarily used Friday Prayer at mosques — the main community meeting place — as the starting points for marches and protests.

The law also gives security agencies like the secret police the right to prohibit any public gatherings, demonstrations or meetings — including political campaign events — if deemed a threat to public order. Citizens have the right to appeal to a court, but there is no deadline for a ruling. In Egypt such a decision could easily take months, until after an issue or election has passed.

The law requires that police officers dispersing any public gathering must escalate their use of force gradually, beginning with verbal warnings, followed by nonlethal measures like water cannons, tear gas and clubs, and ultimately including birdshot. If protesters resist, the police must use only proportionate force.