Updated

Human Rights Watch is calling on Egypt's government to drop charges against a rights lawyer and halt the investigation of two judges who jointly drafted an anti-torture law.

Lawyer Negad Borai has been questioned several times by an investigating judge since he and the judges sent a copy of the draft law to the president's office in April 2015.

Borai faces charges that include the creation of an illegal organization, preventing state institutions from carrying out their duties and illegally receiving funds. If convicted, Borai could be imprisoned for up to 25 years.

An HRW statement issued Tuesday said "authorities should be investigating those who torture, not those who are trying to improve Egypt's laws and bring them in compliance with international norms."