The United Nations Human Rights Office has raised alarm over Egypt’s proposed amendments to its Code of Criminal Procedure, urging greater transparency and compliance with international human rights standards ahead of presidential approval. UN spokesperson Thameen Al-Kheetan criticized provisions granting broad powers to prosecutors over pre-trial detention, surveillance, and travel bans, warning that the law threatens legal safeguards and accountability for public officials.
Concerns were further amplified by reports of undisclosed last-minute amendments before the bill was sent to President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, prompting calls for a thorough review. The draft law, approved by Egypt’s Parliament, could worsen restrictions on civil liberties and deepen international criticism of Egypt’s judicial practices if enacted in its current form.
