Egypt’s Al-Sisi ratifies revamped criminal law reforms
New legislation strengthens rights protections, expands pre-trial detention alternatives, and modernizes Egypt’s criminal procedures framework
CAIRO, Egypt (MNTV) — Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi has ratified a new criminal procedures law following parliamentary approval of amendments that addressed his earlier objections, the presidency announced.
The revised legislation, set to take effect on October 1, 2026, introduces broader rights safeguards and procedural clarity aimed at balancing justice efficiency with human rights protections.
Al-Sisi had previously returned the bill to parliament in September, citing concerns over home privacy, defendants’ rights, and the need for more flexible pre-trial measures. Lawmakers subsequently revised several articles to align with constitutional guarantees and practical judicial needs.
According to the presidency, the new law reinforces the sanctity of homes, clarifies the exceptional conditions under which they may be entered, and mandates the presence of defense lawyers during interrogations in high-risk cases.
One of the most notable updates expands the list of alternatives to pre-trial detention from three to seven, including restrictions on movement, contact bans, and temporary firearm confiscations.
In line with recommendations from the Foreign Ministry’s Supreme Standing Committee for Human Rights, cases involving pre-trial detention will now undergo periodic review every three months by the public prosecutor to ensure timely investigations.
The law also introduces digital communication methods for case notifications while retaining traditional options and grants defendants tried in absentia a one-time postponement opportunity to attend appeal hearings.
Officials said the reforms mark a “major advancement” in ensuring fair trials, protecting public freedoms, and accelerating judicial procedures without compromising rights protections.
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