Sisi sends back draft Criminal Procedure Law to parliament over safeguards, clarity concerns

CAIRO – 21 September 2025: President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi directed that the draft Criminal Procedure Law be returned to the House of Representatives to review objections to some of its articles, the presidential spokesman said in a statement on Sunday.

The law had been sent to the presidency on August 26 for approval. However, the president received numerous appeals urging reconsideration of certain provisions, the spokesman noted.

The contested articles relate to issues of governance, clarity, and practicality, the statement read.

These provisions need to be re-examined to ensure stronger guarantees for the sanctity of homes and for defendants’ rights during investigation and trial, according to the presidency.

The review is also needed to expand alternatives to pre-trial detention, minimizing reliance on it, and removing ambiguities in legal drafting that could result in multiple interpretations or enforcement challenges, according to the appeals.

According to the presidency, additional time should be given to ministries and relevant authorities to prepare for the implementation of the law’s new mechanisms and procedures, ensuring accurate and smooth application in line with the constitution and the law, and in pursuit of swift justice.

Meanwhile, President Sisi commended the efforts of the House of Representatives in passing the draft law and introducing several unprecedented measures.

These include procedures for travel bans and watchlists, financial compensation in specific cases of pre-trial detention along with shorter detention periods, remote investigation, trial and imprisonment extensions sessions through information technology.

The draft law also includes measures for witness protection, and mechanisms for international judicial cooperation in criminal matters.

The president further noted the significant amendments introduced by parliament to other provisions of the existing criminal code.