Egyptian president wants fight against sexual harassment

Days after sexual assaults on women celebrating his inauguration in the capital's Tahrir Square, Egypt's newly-elected President Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi has directed to "strictly enforce an anti-harassment law", state media reported Tuesday.

Sisi "orders Interior Minister Mohamed Ibrahim to take all necessary measures to combat sexual harassment" in the conservative Muslim country, Xinhua quoted presidential spokesperson Ihab Badawi as saying.

After investigation, a group of seven people have been arrested for Sunday's attack.

A video about Sunday's attack was posted on social media sites, showing that a young woman was stripped by a group of men and a police officer overpowered the crowd to rescue her.

Sisi praised the policeman for his coverage and manhood, the presidential spokesman said.

Egypt issued a new law last week which criminalises sexual harassment with a punishment by up to five years in prison.