- A weekly roundup of bogus reports and phony facts in the mainstream and social media
Egyptian ministry denies referendum fines threat for shop owners
Egypt’s Ministry of Local Development has denied rumors on social media claiming that shop owners will be fined for failing to display “vote yes” banners ahead of an expected national referendum on constitutional amendments.
Reports were circulating that traders could be hit with penalty charges of 5,000 Egyptian pounds ($288) for non-compliance, according to Al-Watan newspaper.
However, the ministry said there was absolutely no intention of imposing any fines, and the government respected “different views and seeks to ensure the integrity of the democratic process.”
An overwhelming majority of the Egyptian Parliament, which is dominated by supporters of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, voted in principle last month for constitutional changes.
The proposed amendments aim to reset the period of presidential terms of office, bolster the role of the military, and increase the president’s power over the judiciary.
The chamber is expected to give its final approval in mid-April, with a national referendum to follow.
‘No truth’ in public transport price rise claims: Tunisian PM
Tunisian prime minister Youssef Chahed has rubbished claims that public transport prices in the country are set to rise.
According to the Tunisian news agency, Chahed said the rumors doing the rounds on social media were “completely not true.”
His comments follow a recent increase in fuel prices in Tunisia that sparked protests.