NEW : Human Rights Watch urges an investigation into abuses committed under the law . The emergency law was a focal point for anti-Mubarak demonstrators . It was first enacted in 1958 , but suspended during Sadat 's rule . In recent years it has been used to detain and torture political opponents of President Hosni Mubarak, including journalists who have criticized his government or its policies.
NEW : Human Rights Watch urges an investigation into abuses committed under the law . The emergency law was a focal point for anti-Mubarak demonstrators . It was first enacted in 1958 , but suspended during Sadat 's rule . The unpopular law returned after Mubarak took power in 1981 .