House passes bill protecting critical facilities, infrastructure: The House of Representatives gave final approval on Sunday to a draft law that cements the role of the armed forces in protecting critical facilities and infrastructure — power grids, gas pipelines, oil fields, railways, roads and bridges.

Safeguarding our facilities: The draft law — which replaces the 2013 and 2014 laws on the protection of public facilities — gives army officials the greenlight to take the necessary measures to protect those facilities and confront those who threaten to disrupt the facilities’ activities and disrupt the flow of basic commodities.

Military officials authorized by the defense minister will have the ability to exercise the law. Offenders will be referred to military courts.

ALSO APPROVED BY THE HOUSE- Amendment regulating military courts also got the final nod from MPs. The amendments grant individuals convicted by military courts the right to an additional appellate trial.

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