President Mohamed Morsy has met with members of the Supreme Judicial Council and confirmed his “full” respect for the judiciary.
On Monday, Morsy met with heads and deputies of the Appeals and Cassation Courts, Vice-President Mahmoud Mekky, and newly-appointed Prosecutor General Talaat Ibrahim.
Referring to the constitutional declaration released by Morsy on Thursday, Presidential spokesperson Yasser Ali said “there is absolutely no override on judicial authority.” The declaration had stated Morsy’s decrees were above judicial review. Ali said Morsy had decided to issue the constitutional declaration to “end the transitional period that has been dragging on, to the detriment of the economy in Egypt.”
If Morsy wanted to “concentrate powers,” Ali said the president would have not worked to end the transitional period.
“It is not because the president has been elected that the transitional period has ended. The transitional period ends with the full creation of all institutions in the country,” Ali said. He added, “there is always an opposing voice to any decision. We respect and appreciate opposition.”
Morsy’s meeting with members of the Supreme Judicial Authority followed a recommendation of his presidential team. Judges have voiced their frustration with the constitutional declaration.
Morsy has also met with ministers of justice of other Arab countries and told them he is “very optimistic” that Egypt will overcome this crisis.
The Supreme Judicial Authority requested meeting on Sunday with the president. According to Ali, the Supreme Judicial Authority confirmed the continuation of work in courts.
As for protests planned to be held on Tuesday to oppose and support Morsy’s decisions, Ali said police forces will protect state institutions. He said no instructions have been given to the armed forces to participate.
