In a commendable move towards enhancing human rights in Egypt, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s acknowledgment of the recommendations from the national dialogue regarding pre-trial detention has been met with extensive approval from human rights and political circles. The President’s directive to refer these recommendations to the government is indicative of a commitment to upholding the principles enshrined in the Egyptian constitution and the national human rights strategy.
In his statement, President El-Sisi emphasized that his response to the national dialogue’s recommendations stems from a genuine desire to establish justice and fairness, underscoring the necessity to reduce the maximum durations for pre-trial detention while highlighting its role as a preventive measure, rather than a punitive one. He also advocated for the effective implementation of alternatives to pre-trial detention, pointing to the significance of providing both material and moral compensation to individuals who have been wrongfully detained.
This response follows the national dialogue’s presentation of 24 recommendations aimed at securing better guarantees regarding the duration of pre-trial detention and its alternatives, as well as compensation for wrongful detention. Naguib El-Baraei, a member of the national dialogue’s board, expressed optimism regarding the President’s response and reiterated his call for the Prosecutor General to release individuals who have been excessively detained or to bring them to trial based on available evidence.
Concurrently, this development aligns with the Egyptian Parliament’s deliberation on the draft law for ‘criminal procedures’, which includes provisions related to pre-trial detention. El-Baraei urged the Parliament to consider the approved recommendations during the discussions of this bill, reflecting a commitment to the rights of the accused and ensuring transparency and justice.
Moreover, Dr. Amr Hashem Rabie, Deputy Director of the Al-Ahram Center for Strategic Studies, viewed the President’s prompt response as a firm message to the government regarding the necessity of seriously addressing these recommendations. Dr. Freddy El-Bayadi, a member of Parliament, expressed his expectation that the legislature would consider these recommendations during the drafting of the new law to ensure the reinforcement of the rights of the accused.
In conclusion, these initiatives represent a positive stride towards improving the pre-trial detention system in Egypt, instilling hope for progress towards a more just and transparent future. The government’s support for all legal recommendations must be accompanied by tangible implementation on the ground to ensure the realization of effective justice.