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Egypt's new law to prevent harassment of tourists gets mixed reaction

In an effort to curb aggressive vendors and beggars, Egypt imposed heavy fines on those who harass tourists, but could it work on the ground?

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Souvenir vendors wait for tourists in front of the Giza pyramids on the outskirts of Cairo, Egypt, Nov. 8, 2015. — REUTERS/Amr Abdallah Dalsh

Tourists visiting Egypt’s historical sites will no longer be harassed by the country’s infamous souvenir sellers if a new law that was passed earlier this spring is implemented.

On April 23, Egypt’s House of Deputies approved a law allowing authorities to fine anyone found to be pestering tourists at archaeological and historical sites. The penalty is not insignificant, as it may go up to 10,000 Egyptian pounds (about $565).

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