Sisi issues presidential pardon for July 23 Revolution anniversary

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has granted a presidential pardon to a selection of convicts, coinciding with the 74th anniversary of the July 23, 1952 Revolution. This decree offers a chance for release to individuals serving various sentences, provided they meet specific criteria by July 23, 2026.

Under the terms of the pardon, those serving life sentences may be eligible for release if they have completed at least 15 calendar years of their sentence. Similarly, individuals sentenced to custodial penalties before the anniversary date can be released if they have served one-third of their sentence, with a minimum of four months served. For convicts with multiple offenses committed before their incarceration, the pardon applies if one-third of their total combined sentence duration has been served.

However, the pardon comes with stipulations. Released individuals will be subject to police surveillance for a period not exceeding five years, or the remaining duration of their pardon, whichever is shorter, if mandated by law or their court ruling. Crucially, the decree excludes individuals convicted of serious crimes, including those affecting national security, internal government stability, explosives offenses, and bribery, as outlined in specific chapters of the Penal Code.

Eligibility for the pardon requires demonstrated genuine rehabilitation and that the individual's release does not pose a threat to public security. A higher committee, comprising members from relevant security bodies and headed by the Assistant Minister of Interior for the Community Protection Sector, will be responsible for evaluating and determining who qualifies for this presidential clemency. Cases involving financial obligations for released convicts will be referred to the competent prosecution for further legal action.