The Egyptian parliament is examining a proposal to delay the implementation of the new criminal procedures law, which was passed in 2025. The law, aimed at modernizing the country's criminal justice system, was initially set to take effect on October 1, 2026. However, the explanatory memorandum for the proposed delay, submitted by MP Hisham al-Husari, a member of the House of Representatives, cites the need for further preparations.
The memorandum, presented during a meeting of the parliamentary legislative committee, chaired by Counselor Mohamed Eid Mahjoub, highlights the comprehensive nature of the new law. It includes new provisions and amendments that require completion of the necessary organizational, institutional, technical, and human resources preparations. The delay is intended to provide sufficient time for these preparations, ensuring the law's effective implementation and achieving its intended objectives.
According to the memorandum, the preparations involve completing electronic systems for remote notification and litigation, as well as database rules and connection means. Additionally, there is a need for training and qualifying human cadres to apply the new law and coordinating with various parties involved in the criminal proceedings.
The new law applies to the entire country, necessitating practical tests of the new systems and procedures. The memorandum emphasizes the importance of identifying potential obstacles to ensure that all requirements are met before the law takes effect. The proposed delay aims to provide more time for the concerned parties to verify the readiness of the system.
The draft law, which seeks to postpone the implementation of the new criminal procedures law until October 1, 2027, has two articles. The first article replaces the phrase "October 1, 2027" with "October 1, following the date of its publication" in the sixth article of Law No. 174 of 2025. The second article stipulates that the law will be published in the Official Gazette and will take effect the day after its publication.
The proposed delay is intended to allow for the completion of necessary arrangements and technical requirements. This will ensure the law's effective implementation, achieving its intended goals while preserving citizens' rights and freedoms. The law aims to modernize Egypt's criminal justice system, introducing new procedures and provisions.
The parliamentary legislative committee will continue to discuss the proposed delay. If approved, the new implementation date will provide additional time for the relevant authorities to prepare and ensure a smooth transition to the new law. The committee's decision will have significant implications for the country's justice system.
Key points
- The Egyptian parliament considers postponing the implementation of the new criminal procedures law until October 2027.
- The proposed delay aims to allow for the completion of necessary preparations, including technical and organizational arrangements.
- The new law applies to the entire country and aims to modernize Egypt's criminal justice system.
