Judges slam President's power grab
Egypt's highest body of judges has called the president's recent decrees an "unprecedented assault on the independence of the judiciary and its rulings".
In a statement carried today on MENA, the country's official news agency, the Supreme Judicial Council said they regret the declarations President Mohammed Morsi issued on Thursday.
The council is packed with judges appointed by former President Hosni Mubarak. It regulates judicial promotions and is chaired by the head of the Court of Cassation.
The judges released their statement following an emergency meeting today, a day after tens of thousands of Egyptians demonstrated to denounce Mr Morsi's decision.
The edicts give him near-absolute power and immunity from appeals in courts for any decisions or laws he declares until a new constitution and parliament is in place.
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Carmel Farrugia
Nov 24th 2012, 18:16
Even the present government in Iran was originally elected democratically, so was the Hitler and Mussolini. It seems that Morsi is following in their steps. First get elected democratically then change the laws so nobody will move you from power.
P Sciberras
Nov 24th 2012, 16:11
These judges must get it in their corrupted minds, that President Morsi was elected democratically, while you lot were placed in your undeserved position by the regime. So now you should forget your enjoyable life and adjust yourselves to a democratically elected government. If you do not agree,I suggest to you to retire, and not inciting trouble.
Ms Maria Vella
Nov 24th 2012, 16:57
Doesn't mean he is above the law as the edict is showing either
Joseph N. Attard
Nov 24th 2012, 17:28
A democracy consists of three essential elements: A democratically elected government or president; an independent judiciary, with powers to rule even against the elected government if it is in breach of the country's laws and constitution; and an executive body to carry out the laws enacted by the democratic government. It seems that the fledgling Egyptian democracy has a long way to go yet.
Please choose the reason of your report below: