Egypt legal reform raises fears over right to fair trial

Egypt is poised to adopt a new law aimed at overhauling the judicial process, but human rights groups warn it could entrench long-standing abuses including arbitrary detention, travel bans and expedited trials.

The legislation, currently awaiting approval by President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, is being promoted by the government as a step toward streamlining legal procedures, from arrest to trial.

Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty has told the UN Human Rights Council it would bring a “legislative…