Hundreds protest as Egypt Administrative Court hears controversial cases

Tuesday 17-07-2012 04:17 PM
Hundreds protest as Egypt Administrative Court hears controversial cases

State Council Headquarters

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Hundreds of protesters gathered at the Administrative Court on Tuesday to voice their support for President Morsi's decree that reinstated parliament.

The court will look into three controversial cases: the suspension of the constitutional addendum, the legality of President Morsi's decree restoring parliament, and the status of the constitution-drafting constituent assembly.

The case regarding the constituent assembly was adjourned after lawyers asked for different judges. The lawyers promised to issue a statement explaining the reasons for their request.

The court will also look into the constitutionality of the law which governed the elections for the Shura Council (Parliament's upper house).

The parliamentary election law was ruled unconstitutional by the High Constitutional Court (HCC) on 14 June, and the People's Assembly (lower house of parliament) was consequently dissolved by the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF).

On 8 July, Morsi issued a decree calling for the restoration of the People's Assembly. However, the HCC later issued a ruling which cancelled the presidential decree.

The court will also rule on the legality of a law that was recently approved by the president. The law was drafted by parliament and would prevent the SCAF dissolving the constituent  assembly.

Members of the public condemned the judiciary from inside the courtroom with chants of "down with remnants of the old regime" and "Egypt's judges don't fear God."

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