Short Term Inmates in Egypt Can Now Opt for Community Service

The Egyptian parliament approved Article (447), which allows individuals sentenced to simple imprisonment for a period of no more than six months to request an alternative penalty. Individuals can now request to perform community service outside correctional and rehabilitation centres, in accordance with the regulations set out in Chapter Five of the law, unless the court ruling explicitly deprives them of this option.

Previously, the law included a provision for enforcement through physical coercion. The new legislation replaces coercion with community service under regulated conditions.