Egyptian draft law sets community service as alternative to jail time for debtors and petty crimes

CAIRO – 11 May 2021: A draft law on penalties alternative to prison has been referred to a committee of lawmakers in hopes that such law would spare debtors jail time.

On Monday, House of Representatives Speaker Hanafy el-Gebaly sent the law, drafted by more than 60 lawmakers, to a committee comprised of parliamentarians specialized in legislation and social solidarity.

The maximum debt on which the draft law can apply is L.E. 50,000-100,000 with a sentence of no more than three years in prison. The alternative penalty would be community service.

The draft law comes in line with President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi’s initiatives to pay the debts of such prisoners and release them, as well as those serving time over misdemeanors.

If approved, the law is expected to raise Egypt’s international classification in the field of human rights.

The National Council for Human Rights said in its 2019/2020 report that Egypt must adopt penalties alternative to jail when it comes to debtors and petty crimes.