The House of People’s Representatives has adopted the new Criminal Procedure and Evidence Code as Proclamation No. 1410/2026.
Over the past eight years, the Government of Ethiopia has undertaken a wide range of legal and institutional reforms aimed at strengthening constitutionality, enhancing the protection of rights, and consolidating the rule of law. Reform of the Criminal Procedure Code was identified as a key priority within this broader reform agenda.
The previous Criminal Procedure Code of 1961, which had been in force for more than half a century, had become outdated. Comprehensive revision was therefore necessary to align it with the FDRE Constitution, the Criminal Justice Policy, and recent international developments, as well as to accommodate new processes and technologies.
The newly adopted Criminal Procedure and Evidence Code is the result of extensive consultations conducted over several years. It marks a significant milestone in reforming the criminal justice system, introducing comprehensive rules of evidence and addressing gaps in criminal investigation and prosecution.
