He was appointed by President Morsi a month ago. Under him Morsi decreed the extension of his powers over the judiciary. For judges it is a victory for freedom and justice. Today large opposition rally to boycott the Islamic constitution.

Cairo (AsiaNews / Agencies) - The public prosecutor Talaat Ibrahim (left in photo), who was appointed by President Mohamed Morsi only a month ago, has resigned. Morsi had chosen him last month, replacing Mahmoud Abdel Maguid and unleashing an avalanche of opposition criticism, who accused him of undermining the independence of the judiciary.

At least 1300 judges demonstrated yesterday outside the office of Ibrahim, asking him to resign. Some even tried to enter his office. When the the news of his resignation spread, protesters shouted "God is great! Long live justice."

Ibrahim was appointed to review all investigations into the death of protesters during the protests of the Arab Spring, before the ouster of Hosni Mubarak. According Morsi, under Mahmoud Abdel Maguid - appointed at the time of Mubarak - the investigations did not go to the bottom, provoking the ire of the population.

With the appointment of Ibrahim, 22 November last Morsi signed a decree expanding his power over the judiciary.

This attempt considered dictatorial by many Egyptians, further added to the controversial referendum on the constitution. Drawn up by a group composed exclusively by Islamist Muslim Brotherhood and the Salafis, it risks marginalizing the Christian minorities, not to defend human rights, especially those of women; deprive judges of power in favor of strengthening the military. Many judges have boycotted the referendum. The first round of voting took place on December 15 and the second will take place on December 23.

Khaled Mahgoub, a leading figure in the association of judges, asked colleagues to return to work and to be present at the polls in order to verify the fairness of the referendum, now that Ibrahim has resigned.

Meanwhile, the opposition coalition has called for a large demonstration today against the new constitution and against fraud that took place on December 15 last. They call on all Egyptians to "take to the streets to defend their freedom, prevent fraud and to reject the draft constitution."

 

• egypt
• president
• moris
• judiciary
• regination
• public
• prosecutor
• constitution
• referendum
• opposition
• protest