Latest news with #AbdelFattahal-Sisi
L'Orient-Le Jour
a day ago
- Politics
- L'Orient-Le Jour
Egypt legal reform raises fears over right to fair trial
Egypt is poised to adopt a new law aimed at overhauling the judicial process, but human rights groups warn it could entrench long-standing abuses including arbitrary detention, travel bans and expedited trials. The legislation, currently awaiting approval by President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, is being promoted by the government as a step toward streamlining legal procedures, from arrest to trial. Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty told the U.N. Human Rights Council it would bring a "legislative revolution to criminal justice" in Egypt. Ihab al-Tamawy, the head of the parliamentary subcommittee charged with drafting the new code, told AFP it "introduces a set of new guarantees" on Egypt's notorious pretrial detention system, as well as the role of the public prosecution. But critics say the bill risks codifying repressive practices that have long eroded due process in the country. According to rights defenders, the law expands the powers of police and prosecutors and limits the role of defence lawyers, undermining judicial oversight and the right to a fair trial. In one of the new provisions that have come under scrutiny, public prosecutors will be able to order travel bans without a warrant "in cases of emergency." The law will also allow police to enter homes without an arrest warrant in cases of "distress" or "danger," which are not clearly defined. In April, U.N. rights chief Volker Turk "raised concerns" over the law and called on Sisi to "consider carefully" before signing it into force, "to ensure that it fully complies with Egypt's international human rights obligations." Right to fair trial Egypt currently ranks 135th out of 142 countries on the World Justice Project's Rule of Law Index. In the latest U.N. review of its rights record in January, Egypt faced accusations of "systemic and widespread" rights violations, including torture, enforced disappearances and unfair trials. In recent years, Egypt has been accused of formalising into normal law exceptional measures previously allowed in states of emergency. According to prominent human rights lawyer Khaled Ali, the law "does not truly combat corruption, expands the powers granted to the police and prosecution and undermines the role of defence lawyers," which he said is "essential to a fair trial." Along with 15 other independent lawyers, Ali submitted 176 proposed amendments to the law, none of which were adopted. Mahmoud Shalaby, Egypt researcher at Amnesty International, told AFP the bill "codifies practices that were already taking place outside the boundaries of the law, and grants them legitimacy in an attempt to improve Egypt's image." According to Karim Ennarah, research director at the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights (EIPR), the new changes will come at the expense of investigations, defendants and their lawyers. Under the new law, defence lawyers can be denied access to case files and witnesses – "practices already common, but that will now become legal," Ennarah said. 'Recycling' The law will also expand remote trials, which Ennarah describes as "rushed" virtual hearings, where dozens of jailed defendants are corralled behind a screen on a video call with a judge. Remote trials "undermine two fundamental principles of a fair trial", according to Ennarah, namely "the defendant's right to meet privately with their lawyer, and their right to appear before a judge" to assess any harm or abuse inflicted upon them. Egypt is routinely criticized for the widespread use of pretrial detention, a phenomenon that proponents say is addressed under the new law. While the maximum period for remand detention will be reduced from 24 to 18 months, Amnesty International has warned the law "provides no safeguards against abusive prolonged pretrial detention." According to Shalaby, many of Egypt's estimated tens of thousands of political prisoners are victims of a practice known as "recycling" detainees. Under the much-maligned "revolving door policy," prisoners are often handed new charges instead of being released, restarting the clock on their remand period. Another issue, he says, is that when the law goes into effect, citizens will no longer be able to sue "in case of violations during their arrest or detention." In 2024, EIPR documented 10 cases of torture-related deaths in detention facilities. Rights groups regularly report cases of medical neglect, abuse and overcrowding in Egyptian prisons.
Egypt Independent
a day ago
- Politics
- Egypt Independent
President Sisi reaffirms Egypt's unwavering support to AL
CAIRO, July 20 (MENA) – President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi on Sunday reiterated Egypt's commitment to supporting the Arab League, in light of the pan-Arab body's pivotal role in promoting joint Arab action and closing Arab ranks to overcome region's complex and unprecedented challenges. This came during president Sisi's meeting with Secretary General of the Arab League of Arab Ahmed Abul Gheit. The meeting addressed the latest developments pertinent to Arab crises and issues, mainly the situation in Gaza Strip and the West Bank, as well as the massive efforts being made by Egypt and Qatar to reach a ceasefire and ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza, according to Spokesman for the Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed el Shennawi. The meeting tackled prospects of pursuing a just and comprehensive resolution to the Palestinian cause through the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, in accordance with international legitimacy, the protection of the rights of the Palestinian people and the prevention of their displacement. The meeting also touched on the latest developments in Syria and Libya, in addition to the situation in Sudan and the ongoing efforts to restore security and stability there. The meeting tackled the political and security situations in the Horn of Africa and the security of the Red Sea. For his part, Abul Gheit commended Egypt's wise stances, which contribute to restoring security and stability in the Middle East, especially through its support for a just and final solution to the Palestinian issue, as the only path to achieving lasting and comprehensive peace in the region. (MENA)
Egypt Independent
a day ago
- Politics
- Egypt Independent
Armed Forces greet president al-Sisi on July 23 Revolution anniversary
Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and Minister of Defense and Military Production Abdelmaguid Sakr sent on Monday, July 21, 2025, a cable to greet President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, on the anniversary of the July 23 Revolution. In his cable, Sakr hailed the sacrifices of the great Egyptian people who built a strong state enjoying freedom and independence. 'The personnel of the Armed Forces reaffirm their unwavering loyalty and steadfastness under your wise leadership, respect their oath and committed to the principles of the revolution. They stand united with the Egyptian people and institutions in building a strong and modern state protected by a vigilant army that safeguards its security and stability, defends its strategic and national interests, and deters any threats to its sovereignty and the resources of its great people,' the Defense Minister said in his cable to the president. A similar cable was sent by Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces Ahmed Khalifa to the president on July 23 Revolution anniversary. Meanwhile, the Defense Minister issued directives to extend greetings to all commanders, officers, non-commissioned officers, soldiers, civilian personnel of the Armed Forces, and members participating in peacekeeping missions.
Egypt Independent
a day ago
- Politics
- Egypt Independent
President Sisi reaffirms Egypt's unwavering support to AL
CAIRO, July 20 (MENA) – President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi on Sunday reiterated Egypt's commitment to supporting the Arab League, in light of the pan-Arab body's pivotal role in promoting joint Arab action and closing Arab ranks to overcome region's complex and unprecedented challenges. This came during president Sisi's meeting with Secretary General of the Arab League of Arab Ahmed Abul Gheit. The meeting addressed the latest developments pertinent to Arab crises and issues, mainly the situation in Gaza Strip and the West Bank, as well as the massive efforts being made by Egypt and Qatar to reach a ceasefire and ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza, according to Spokesman for the Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed el Shennawi. The meeting tackled prospects of pursuing a just and comprehensive resolution to the Palestinian cause through the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, in accordance with international legitimacy, the protection of the rights of the Palestinian people and the prevention of their displacement. The meeting also touched on the latest developments in Syria and Libya, in addition to the situation in Sudan and the ongoing efforts to restore security and stability there. The meeting tackled the political and security situations in the Horn of Africa and the security of the Red Sea. For his part, Abul Gheit commended Egypt's wise stances, which contribute to restoring security and stability in the Middle East, especially through its support for a just and final solution to the Palestinian issue, as the only path to achieving lasting and comprehensive peace in the region. (MENA)
Egypt Independent
4 days ago
- Politics
- Egypt Independent
Sisi greets UAE on Union Pledge Day
President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi on Saturday 19/7/2025 sent a cable of greetings to UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on the Gulf country's Union Pledge Day. The UAE marks the first anniversary of the 'Union Pledge Day' on 18th July, as the nation reflects on the pivotal moments that led to its unification, recalling the enduring legacy of the founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and his brothers, the Rulers, whose historic declaration in 1971 laid the foundations for the federation. The day is one of the most important days in the history of the UAE, as the declaration of the Union and the UAE Constitution were signed, and its name was announced, with the solid foundation for its establishment laid on 2nd December. Union Pledge Day was designated as a national occasion by President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to reaffirm loyalty to the homeland and celebrate the country's continued development. The day aims to strengthen national identity and raise public awareness of the foundational steps that propelled the UAE to its current status as a regional and global leader.
