
A snapshot of a session in the Egyptian House of Representatives.
This came during a session during which articles 62 to 102 of the new Criminal Procedure law draft, which consists of 540 articles, were also approved.
Article 79 of the legislation permits a member of the Public Prosecution, with approval from the investigating judge, to issue an order for intercepting various forms of communication, such as letters, messages, telegrams, newspapers, publications, and parcels.
The article also grants the Public Prosecution the authority to monitor wired and wireless communications, social media accounts and their private content, emails, text messages, and audio or video messages on mobile devices or other technological platforms.
Additionally, it permits the seizure of media containing such information or the recording of conversations in private meetings if this is deemed necessary to investigate a felony or misdemeanour punishable by imprisonment for over three months.
The second paragraph of the article stipulates that the order for interception, monitoring, or recording cannot exceed 30 days. After reviewing the case files and investigations, the judge must issue the authorization with a reason and is also allowed to extend it for similar periods.
Key chapters
The new draft bill, consisting of six key chapters, covers criminal prosecution, evidence collection, courts, appeals, enforcement, and international cooperation in criminal matters.
It aims to introduce a new approach that aligns with the 2014 Constitution and the National Human Rights Strategy.
The law also responds to observations and recommendations from international organizations, adapting to technological developments.
Additionally, the legislation seeks to safeguard Egypt's human rights interests domestically and internationally while ensuring stability in procedural regulations.
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