Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi has approved Law No. 160 of 2026, which amends certain provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure. The law postpones the implementation of the new criminal procedures law, which was issued in November 2025, to October 2027. This decision aims to ensure the readiness of the electronic system for announcing and litigating remotely, as well as the database and connection tools, and all matters related to the digitalization of litigation procedures.
The postponement has been welcomed by human rights advocates as a positive opportunity. They believe it should be followed by reopening a societal dialogue about the law's articles to rephrase them according to fair trial standards. This will ensure the law's provisions and articles maintain a balance between public interest and individual rights and freedoms, including the right to the presumption of innocence.
The new law aims to enhance the efficiency and transparency of the Egyptian judicial system. Its provisions include the use of technology to facilitate remote litigation and improve access to justice. The law also seeks to address concerns about the protection of individual rights and freedoms during the litigation process.
Human rights experts and lawyers have emphasized the importance of public debate and consultation in the development of the new law. They stress that the law should be designed to ensure fair trials, protect individual rights, and promote public trust in the judicial system.
The podcast "Mada Masr" has hosted a discussion with Nabil El-Gendy, a lawyer and founder of the Tebyan Center for Rights and Freedoms, on the implications of the new law. The discussion focused on the balance between public interest and individual rights and freedoms under the new law.
Critics of the law have expressed concerns about its potential impact on the Egyptian judicial system. They argue that the law may infringe upon individual rights and freedoms, particularly the right to a fair trial. However, supporters believe that the law will improve the efficiency and transparency of the judicial system.
The Egyptian government has assured that the postponement of the law's implementation will provide sufficient time to address concerns and ensure that the new law is implemented fairly and effectively. The government has also emphasized its commitment to protecting individual rights and freedoms under the new law.
Key points
- The Egyptian President has approved a law postponing the implementation of the new criminal procedures law to 2027.
- Human rights advocates have welcomed the postponement as a positive opportunity for societal dialogue.
- The new law aims to enhance the efficiency and transparency of the Egyptian judicial system.
