Egyptian opposition figures have leveraged the ongoing discussions in the “National Dialogue” to propose reducing the duration of “pretrial detention” in prisons, requesting a broad “presidential pardon” for all political activists. They believe that pardoning these individuals is essential to demonstrate the “seriousness of the discussions.”
Human rights advocates and politicians from various factions are participating in sessions of the “National Dialogue,” which is being held under a “presidential initiative.”
The sessions, which began on Tuesday, are examining procedures related to “pretrial detention,” including topics such as “reducing the duration of pretrial detention, alternatives to detention, handling multiple offenses, compensation for wrongful detention, and travel bans.”
Two years ago, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi decided to reconstitute the “Presidential Pardon Committee,” which periodically announces lists of detainees eligible for pardon by the Egyptian prosecution or those held in pretrial detention for various cases.
On the eve of the “National Dialogue” sessions, Egyptian authorities released 79 detainees held on remand, a move welcomed by political and party forces.
