E/CN.4/1999/58 page 17 case (E/CN.4/1997/91, paras. 12-15) and the legislative amendments made to streamline hisba proceedings, and noted that the decision ordering Mr. and Mrs. Abu Zeid to separate had been suspended and later annulled. 52. The Special Rapporteur has already expressed his appreciation of Egypt's legislation and policy to combat religious extremism. He would, however, like to emphasize the fact that the position adopted by the Al-Azhar Scholars' Association could jeopardize Professor Hanafi, and that it is for the State to take appropriate measures to ensure the safety of citizens and of all individuals living in its territory, on the understanding that extremism, which is alien to freedom of religion, is likely to confirm the very fears it raises. The allegations of various incidents against Christians, on which Egypt has not presented its views and comments, could potentially confirm the above-mentioned fears. Eritrea 53. The authorities are reportedly considering the implementation of a declaration imposing drastic limitations on religious communities by prohibiting any activities other than religious services. As a result, religious property, such as schools and clinics, could be confiscated by the authorities. 54. Eritrea replied that its legislation was in conformity with the 1981 United Nations Declaration. In order to correct situations dating from the pre-independence era, characterized by the provision of health care and education on the basis of religious preference, the Government after independence consulted various religious bodies and decided to establish, jointly with the World Bank, a “Community Rehabilitation Fund” programme to provide everyone with the services mentioned above. An agreement was drawn up under which religious bodies would be able to engage in proselytism and run theological institutions and charities and would contribute to the Community Rehabilitation Fund. The administration of schools and clinics belonging to religious bodies would be secularized, with current staffs retained and no property confiscated. The Special Rapporteur is of the view that religious communities are clearly eligible for protection under international standards governing freedom of religion and belief. However, these instruments do not cover political activities by religious communities, which are governed by other provisions of international law. Spain 55. Protestant organizations state that the authorities' closure of several of their local radio stations constitutes discrimination against them, as the Catholic Church allegedly encounters no difficulties in obtaining licences. Russian Federation 56. A Jehovah's Witness and conscientious objector in the Kursk region was allegedly sentenced to a prison term, a court having ruled that he belonged to a sect and accordingly was not entitled to submit an application on the basis