Egypt’s PM addresses Parliament on objections to draft Criminal Procedures Law

CAIRO – 1 October 2025: Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly is heading to the House of Representatives on Wednesday to deliver a formal statement on reservations recently highlighted by the Presidency regarding several articles of the draft Criminal Procedures Law.

The statement comes as the House, under the leadership of Speaker Hanafi Gebali, opened its sixth legislative session earlier in the day.

The new session, expected to run for at least nine months, began with deliberations over the presidential reservations on certain provisions of the draft law.

Madbouly’s address marks the government’s official position on the matter, ahead of further parliamentary debate and review of the contested articles.

What Happened?

Last month, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi directed that the draft Criminal Procedure Law be returned to the House to review objections to some of its articles.

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.

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.

Endorsed Procedures

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.