Differences escalate between Egyptian judiciary and parliament

The differences between the Egyptian judiciary and parliament over the appointment of the heads of judicial bodies by presidential decree have escalated, Moheet.com has reported.

The parliament has recently approved a bill stipulating that the president of the republic is authorised to appoint such individuals. The supreme council of each judicial body is expected to nominate three vice-chairmen from the seven oldest deputies and the president will choose one of them to be the head.

According to Moheet.com and other media outlets, a number of Egyptian MPs have objected to the rapid discussion of the bill, which was passed without the judicial authorities knowing the details. The judiciary claim that the bill is thus “unconstitutional” interference in the work of the authorities affected.

The Egyptian Judges Club issued a statement on Friday calling for judges to stand in “one row” to defend the “judiciary’s independence” and keep it away from “personal differences and interests.” The club warned that it would take tough measures against any judges who do not commit to its orders and decisions.

An earlier club statement stressed the independence of the Egyptian judiciary, which it considers to be the “guarantor of the rights and freedoms” of the people of Egypt. The statement issued on Wednesday noted that it entitled Judge Mohamed Abdul-Mohsen to contact the president’s office and arrange for a meeting with President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi in order to discuss a solution to this crisis.