Ägypten
On November 12, 2025, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi ratified Law No. 174 of 2025, enacting a new Code of Criminal Procedures. This legislation, comprising 546 provisions, replaces the previous laws governing criminal procedures and introduces significant reforms aimed at modernizing Egypt's justice system.
The new code sets forth updated rules for law enforcement and defense attorneys, granting new rights and protections to defendants. Notable changes include:
The law was published in Egypt's Official Gazette on the same day it was ratified and is scheduled to take effect on October 1, 2026. This delay allows time for the necessary institutional and technical preparations to ensure the effective implementation of the new procedures.
Prior to ratification, President el-Sisi returned the draft law to Parliament in September 2025, expressing reservations about certain provisions. Concerns were raised regarding the inviolability of the home, the rights of the accused, and the need for additional alternatives to pretrial detention. Parliament addressed these concerns by amending the objectionable articles, leading to the law's eventual ratification.
The enactment of the new Code of Criminal Procedures has elicited mixed reactions. Supporters argue that the reforms modernize Egypt's criminal justice system and align it with international standards. However, some human rights organizations have expressed concerns about potential implications for civil liberties and due process. They emphasize the importance of ensuring that the new procedures are implemented in a manner that upholds human rights and the rule of law.
As the October 2026 implementation date approaches, stakeholders will be closely monitoring the preparations and subsequent application of the new code to assess its impact on Egypt's legal landscape.
