Egypt's Supreme Administrative Court has postponed until Tuesday evening its decision on appeals against a recent decree giving military police and intelligence officers the right to arrest civilians.

The justice ministry issued a decree on 13 June giving military personnel the right to arrest civilians, a right previously reserved for police officers.

Crimes to which the law will apply include "crimes and misdemeanours harmful to the government," "possession/use of explosives," "resisting orders issued by those in power or assaulting them," "destruction of public property or historic monuments," "obstructing traffic," "strike-actions at institutions that serve the public interest or assaulting the right to work," and "intimidation and thuggery.”

The decree is reportedly based on the Military Judiciary Law 25 of 1966. According to the ministry, the decree will remain in effect until a new constitution is drafted. The decree has been condemned by both activists and Rights organisations.