On September 21, 2025, in an unprecedented move that caught many observers off guard, President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi of Egypt exercised his constitutional authority to reject a problematic draft of the Criminal Procedure Code. He sent the bill back to Parliament with a clear directive to “review objections to a number of the draft law articles,” signaling potential for a shift in legislative dynamics.
For almost ten years, Egypt’s parliaments, under President Sisi’s administration, have often acted merely as a rubber stamp for government initiatives, rarely challenging the status quo. This moment presents an invaluable opportunity for members of Parliament to significantly revise the rejected bill and demonstrate a commitment to human rights.
Parliament members are urged to engage in meaningful, transparent consultation with independent human rights organizations, legal experts, and the lawyers’ syndicate to develop a draft law aligned with Egypt’s Constitution and its international human rights obligations. Both local and international human rights advocates, as well as the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), have expressed their willingness to assist in this critical process.
Numerous independent Egyptian human rights groups, alongside international organizations and UN experts, had previously called upon President Sisi to reject the draft law, which was deemed catastrophic. A recent analysis by Human Rights Watch highlighted that the proposed legislation would not only undermine the already fragile protections for fair trial rights in Egypt but would also further empower law enforcement officials notorious for their abusive practices.
Among the draft law’s most concerning flaws was its failure to abolish the routine and unjustified use of pretrial detention, a practice that has become a hallmark of repression in the country. Instead of being an exception, pretrial detention has been normalized, allowing for its excessive application without adequate justification.
Furthermore, the draft included provisions that would expand the use of videoconferencing for prosecutorial and judicial hearings. Such remote hearings pose significant risks to fair trial guarantees and inhibit judicial officials from adequately assessing the wellbeing of defendants. This can leave individuals more vulnerable to mistreatment, including deteriorating conditions within prisons.
The presidency’s statement rejecting the draft acknowledged some of these critical issues, emphasizing the need for “further guarantees for the sanctity of a person’s home and the rights of the accused before investigation and trial authorities.” It also highlighted the importance of increasing alternatives to pretrial detention to mitigate its use.
If Parliament seizes this pivotal moment, the implications could extend far beyond the immediate concerns of the draft law. President Sisi’s rejection of the flawed proposal can be viewed as a golden opportunity to initiate a much-needed reversal of Egypt’s ongoing human rights crisis, which has reached alarming levels in recent years.
This is a crucial juncture for Egyptian lawmakers. It is an invitation to pave the way for a more just and equitable legal system, one that prioritizes human rights and reaffirms the principles of democracy. By harnessing the momentum created by the President’s unexpected decision, Parliament can take significant steps toward restoring the rule of law and addressing the long-standing issues that have plagued Egypt’s judicial system.
As the world watches, the need for a comprehensive review and reform of the Criminal Procedure Code becomes ever more urgent. The time has come for Egypt to embrace a future that respects the dignity and rights of all its citizens, fostering a legal environment that reflects the values enshrined in its Constitution and international commitments. A bold initiative from Parliament could be the first step toward a new era of hope and accountability in Egypt.
