Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi has sent a new criminal procedure bill back to Parliament, requesting revisions to address what he calls a lack of clarity in its provisions.
The decision, made on Sunday, September 21, comes just weeks after the bill was passed on August 26.
According to an official statement, President Al-Sisi has asked Parliament to revise the bill to better protect individual rights. He specifically highlighted the need for stronger protections for privacy and homes, more alternatives to pretrial detention, and enhanced rights for the accused during investigations and trials.
While the bill introduces new measures like compensation for those who are wrongly detained and the use of digital tools for remote hearings, it has faced significant criticism. In May 2025, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights expressed concerns over the expanded powers given to prosecutors and a lack of transparency in the amendment process.
Domestically, the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights (EIPR) has also condemned the bill, arguing that it could legitimize arbitrary surveillance and invade citizens’ privacy.
The president’s move is a notable step in the legislative process. Under the Egyptian Constitution, he has 30 days to object to a bill passed by Parliament. If Parliament approves the bill again with a two-thirds majority, it must then be enacted into law. This latest development underscores the ongoing debate over judicial reform and civil liberties in Egypt.
MK/ac/fss/abj/APA