CAIRO — Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has ratified amendments to the country’s Emergency Law, granting the armed forces the power of judicial oversight across all governorates, which means the army now has the right to arrest and investigate with citizens before the military prosecution — powers previously limited to the country’s law enforcement officers (security forces) and the public prosecution.
The amendments, which were published in the Official Gazette May 7, also expanded Sisi’s prerogatives, including more decision-making powers such as suspending classes at schools and universities, postponing tax payments and amending official working hours across the country during the state of emergency.