The expert’s session is calling for the withdrawal of the criminal procedure code draft and for the expedition of releasing those who exceeded the period of pretrial detention according to law

 

   

 

 

September 1 2024 Cairo

Press Release

On Thursday evening August 29 2024 the experts session organized and hosted by the Arab Center for the Independence of the Judiciary and the Legal Profession (ACIJLP) was wrapped up. The session included discussions on the provisions, articles and philosophy of the new Criminal Procedure Code draft which was formulated by the subcommittee of the Committee on Constitutional and Legislative Affairs. The discussion also covered the extent to which the draft aligns with constitutional provisions and relevant international agreements ratified by Egypt which have become part of the national legislative framework

After extensive discussions, the experts present at the session agreed on the following

First Demanding the immediate withdrawal of the draft law from the House of Representatives, and re-presenting the draft law to a broad community dialogue with experts, law professors, professional unions, and civil society organizations.

Second The necessity of expediting the issuance of a decision by law to reduce the periods of pretrial detention stipulated in the law so as not to be more than one year.

Third The necessity of enforcing the provisions of pretrial detention in the current Criminal Procedure Code, and the consequent necessity of releasing all those whose detention periods have exceeded the maximum limit stipulated in the law.

Fourt  The Experts agreed to form a legal committee to draft alternative texts consistent with the constitution and human rights charters to contribute to any serious societal discussion about this law