The Egyptian parliament is mulling the replacement of prison sentences with community service for inmates convicted of minor offenses. The aim is to reduce the cost of incarcerations and ease prison overcrowding by having offenders work in small and medium-sized enterprises rather than occupy jail cells.
The parliament is preparing to debate a draft law in its next session, due to start in October. Mohamed Abu Hamed, the parliamentarian sponsoring the legislation, told Al-Monitor, that his bill is expected to pass.