On 12 November 2025, the President signed into force Law No. 174 of 2025, the new Criminal Procedure Code (CPC) for the Arab Republic of Egypt. The law, to be published in the Official Gazette and effective from 1 October following its publication, marks a major overhaul in the procedural framework governing criminal prosecutions and investigations. lawhub.info<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n This article provides an overview of its key features, objectives, and likely implications for the criminal justice system in Egypt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The law aims to modernise criminal procedure, harmonise investigation and prosecution processes with principles of fairness and efficiency, and reconcile procedural safeguards with the needs of public order and effective crime control. Under Article 1, the new code will apply \u2014 without prejudice to other procedural provisions in other laws \u2014 to all criminal procedure and its companion statute. lawhub.info+1<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Furthermore, the law repeals the former Criminal Procedure Code of 1950 (Law 150 of 1950) and the provisions of Law 140 of 2014 concerning extradition of accused and transfer of convicted persons, as well as any inconsistent provisions. lawhub.info<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n One prominent change is the specification of limitation periods for prosecution. Under Article 17:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The new code clarifies that the Public Prosecution (\u201c\u0627\u0644\u0646\u064a\u0627\u0628\u0629 \u0627\u0644\u0639\u0627\u0645\u0629\u201d) directs the investigation and pursues criminal prosecutions; no third-party may initiate prosecution or delay it except in cases specified by law. lawhub.info<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n In specific offences defined in the Penal Code (e.g., arts. 185, 274, 277, 279, 292, 293, 303, 306, 307, 308) a complaint (oral or written) from the victim or his agent is required unless the law states otherwise. lawhub.info<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n The code sets procedural safeguards for arrest and detention. For example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The code strengthens the protection of the home\u2019s sanctity: entry, search and surveillance are allowed only under a reasoned judicial warrant (except for emergencies such as fire or flood). lawhub.info<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n It provides specifically that communications, social media accounts, emails, technical devices may be monitored or seized only with a reasoned order from a judge, for up to 30 days (renewable) in crimes punishable by imprisonment over three months. lawhub.info<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n The law introduces structured mechanisms for settlement and reconciliation. For example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The adoption of this new code is likely to have broad implications:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Law No. 174 of 2025 marks a landmark reform of Egypt\u2019s criminal procedure framework. It balances the demands of effective crime control with enhanced procedural protections, and introduces mechanisms for early settlement, clearer timelines and reaffirmed rights of the accused. Its success, however, depends heavily on effective implementation, institutional adaptation and the vigilance of defence and civil society actors.<\/p>\n\n\n\nObjectives and Scope<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Key Innovations and Changes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
1. Time-limits and statute of limitations<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\n
There are also exceptions: certain serious crimes (such as those listed under various articles of the Penal Code) are excluded from limitation. lawhub.info<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n2. Prosecution initiation and preliminary requirements<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
3. Arrest, detention and suspects\u2019 rights<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\n
4. Search, seizure and electronic surveillance<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
5. Pre-trial and investigative procedures<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\n
6. Alternative dispute resolution and settlement mechanisms<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\n
Implications for Practice<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
Challenges and Outlook<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
Conclusion<\/h3>\n\n\n\n