Egypt's parliament has approved legislative amendments to carry out what officials have described as the most extensive overhaul of the country's criminal procedure law since 1950.
More than 200 changes to the penal code's 560 articles, which still require the president's approval, include granting expanded surveillance powers to the Public Prosecution office, shortening pretrial detention periods, and modifying trial procedures.
The most contentious amendment allows prosecutors to surveil online communications and electronic devices in cases involving crimes punishable by more than three months in prison, after getting a court order. Prosecutors will be allowed to listen to and record private conversations – whether they are voice or video calls, inspect downloads, app store purchases and chat histories, and confiscate letters, parcels, newspapers and publications received by suspects. The courts can issue surveillance permission for a period not exceeding 30 days, although this can be renewed indefinitely.
The amended penal code will also reduce the maximum period of pretrial detention, a long-standing concern for rights activists who claim that prolonged detentions have been used to punish dissidents.
The issue of how long and under what conditions the state can hold citizens awaiting trial was also widely discussed at Egypt’s National Dialogue, a forum launched by President Abdel Fattah El Sisi to allow political parties to discuss points of discord with state policies.
The draft change lowers the limit on pretrial detention from six months to four in misdemeanour cases, and from 18 months to 12 for felony suspects. In cases involving crimes punishable by death or life imprisonment, the maximum period was set at 18 months.
While surveillance and pretrial attention have garnered the most public attention, lawyers and rights groups have raised issue with a number of provisions in the revised penal code, which parliament discussed for months before approving it in principle in December.
A coalition of human rights lawyers headed by Khaled Ali, who often acts as defence lawyer in political dissent cases, outlined 16 objections to provisions that they said would undermine rights to a fair trial and expand the powers of the Public Prosecution at the expense of judges and lawyers.
The lawyers said some of the new articles grant broad investigative powers to all police officers, regardless of rank or qualification, without ensuring sufficient oversight or accountability. These changes could lead to an increase in abusive practices by law enforcement officials, already considered a widespread problem in Egypt.
Human Rights Watch warned in an October review of the draft law that new articles grant the Public Prosecution sweeping powers to deny defendants and their lawyers access to case files, in addition to restricting defence arguments, which undermine the right to a fair trial. The new penal code also lacked a clear definition and punishment for enforced disappearances, despite the widespread use of this practice by Egyptian authorities, the international rights group said.
Human Rights Watch and the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights (EIPR) also raised concerns about articles which expand the use of hearings by video conference across all stages of criminal proceedings. They said the practice would violate rights to due process and hinder the ability of defendants to consult confidentially with their lawyers.
Ehab El Tamawy, a member of the majority pro-Sisi Mostaqbal Watan party in parliament who was involved in the revision of the penal code, hailed the amendments as a significant human rights achievement.
Mr El Tamawy said the new provisions were thorough and had been reached after lengthy debate involving all political groups in Egypt.
“The new law does respect the sanctity of the home and of people’s private conversations. That’s why there is a provision requiring a judge to approve exceptions to this and another requiring that the surveillance be carried out for a limited amount of time,” Mr El Tamawy said during a televised phone-in to a popular talk show on Tuesday. “The previous law was based on a constitution from 1923. The last time it was changed was in 1950. 75 years ago.”
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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No more lice
Defining head lice
Pediculus humanus capitis are tiny wingless insects that feed on blood from the human scalp. The adult head louse is up to 3mm long, has six legs, and is tan to greyish-white in colour. The female lives up to four weeks and, once mature, can lay up to 10 eggs per day. These tiny nits firmly attach to the base of the hair shaft, get incubated by body heat and hatch in eight days or so.
Identifying lice
Lice can be identified by itching or a tickling sensation of something moving within the hair. One can confirm that a person has lice by looking closely through the hair and scalp for nits, nymphs or lice. Head lice are most frequently located behind the ears and near the neckline.
Treating lice at home
Head lice must be treated as soon as they are spotted. Start by checking everyone in the family for them, then follow these steps. Remove and wash all clothing and bedding with hot water. Apply medicine according to the label instructions. If some live lice are still found eight to 12 hours after treatment, but are moving more slowly than before, do not re-treat. Comb dead and remaining live lice out of the hair using a fine-toothed comb.
After the initial treatment, check for, comb and remove nits and lice from hair every two to three days. Soak combs and brushes in hot water for 10 minutes.Vacuum the floor and furniture, particularly where the infested person sat or lay.
Courtesy Dr Vishal Rajmal Mehta, specialist paediatrics, RAK Hospital
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EA Sports FC 26
Publisher: EA Sports
Consoles: PC, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox Series X/S
Rating: 3/5
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Graduated from the American University of Sharjah
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The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh117,059
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Tank warfare
Lt Gen Erik Petersen, deputy chief of programs, US Army, has argued it took a “three decade holiday” on modernising tanks.
“There clearly remains a significant armoured heavy ground manoeuvre threat in this world and maintaining a world class armoured force is absolutely vital,” the general said in London last week.
“We are developing next generation capabilities to compete with and deter adversaries to prevent opportunism or miscalculation, and, if necessary, defeat any foe decisively.”
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Our legal columnist
Name: Yousef Al Bahar
Advocate at Al Bahar & Associate Advocates and Legal Consultants, established in 1994
Education: Mr Al Bahar was born in 1979 and graduated in 2008 from the Judicial Institute. He took after his father, who was one of the first Emirati lawyers
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Ms Yang's top tips for parents new to the UAE
- Join parent networks
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- Keep an open mind
AUSTRALIA SQUADS
ODI squad: Aaron Finch (captain), Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Kane Richardson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa
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Story%20behind%20the%20UAE%20flag
%3Cp%3EThe%20UAE%20flag%20was%20first%20unveiled%20on%20December%202%2C%201971%2C%20the%20day%20the%20UAE%20was%20formed.%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EIt%20was%20designed%20by%20Abdullah%20Mohammed%20Al%20Maainah%2C%2019%2C%20an%20Emirati%20from%20Abu%20Dhabi.%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EMr%20Al%20Maainah%20said%20in%20an%20interview%20with%20%3Cem%3EThe%20National%3C%2Fem%3E%20in%202011%20he%20chose%20the%20colours%20for%20local%20reasons.%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EThe%20black%20represents%20the%20oil%20riches%20that%20transformed%20the%20UAE%2C%20green%20stands%20for%20fertility%20and%20the%20red%20and%20white%20colours%20were%20drawn%20from%20those%20found%20in%20existing%20emirate%20flags.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS
Estijaba – 8001717 – number to call to request coronavirus testing
Ministry of Health and Prevention – 80011111
Dubai Health Authority – 800342 – The number to book a free video or voice consultation with a doctor or connect to a local health centre
Emirates airline – 600555555
Etihad Airways – 600555666
Ambulance – 998
Knowledge and Human Development Authority – 8005432 ext. 4 for Covid-19 queries
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
Profile of MoneyFellows
Founder: Ahmed Wadi
Launched: 2016
Employees: 76
Financing stage: Series A ($4 million)
Investors: Partech, Sawari Ventures, 500 Startups, Dubai Angel Investors, Phoenician Fund
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