A group of detainees in Egypt has formally called upon the government to ensure the implementation of new legal limits on pretrial detention. These limits are a central component of the country’s new Criminal Procedure Code, which was officially adopted in November. The code is slated to become active in October 2026, marking a significant change in how the justice system handles individuals held before trial.

Pretrial detention has long been a subject of intense debate regarding human rights and judicial reform in Egypt. Supporters of the new code argue that these caps will prevent indefinite detention and bring the country’s legal practices closer to international standards. Conversely, critics and human rights observers have frequently raised concerns about the current system, where detainees can often remain in custody for extended periods without a formal trial. While the government has signaled its intent to modernize the code, the detainees' call highlights the urgency felt by those currently affected by the existing system. The transition period between the code's adoption and its implementation in October remains a critical window for legal advocates and families of the detained who are seeking assurance that the new protections will be applied consistently across the prison system.