Egypt - Supreme Court Halts All Work Amid Islamist 'Pressure'
https://nigeriaafrica1.blogspot.com/2012/12/egypt-supreme-court-halts-all-work-amid.html
Egypt's Supreme Constitutional Court has said it is halting all work indefinitely in protest at the "psychological pressure" it has faced.
Islamist protesters earlier prevented the judges from meeting in Cairo to rule on a draft constitution.
The supporters of President Mohammed Morsi wanted to block any ruling that would question the document's legality.
The court said that Sunday was "the blackest day in the history of Egyptian judiciary".
Sunday's developments are the latest in an unfolding confrontation between President Morsi and his Muslim Brotherhood supporters on one side, and his mainly secular political opponents and the judiciary on the other.
Mr Morsi adopted sweeping new powers in a decree on 22 November that stripped the judiciary of any power to challenge his decisions, so it is unclear what effect any Supreme Constitutional Court ruling would have.
However, analysts say any ruling opposing his decisions would be a direct challenge and would bolster the opposition campaign to have his decree annulled.
Mr Morsi has said a referendum on the draft constitution will be held on 15 December. His opponents say the draft constitution undermines basic freedoms.
The supporters of President Mohammed Morsi wanted to block any ruling that would question the document's legality.
The court said that Sunday was "the blackest day in the history of Egyptian judiciary".
Sunday's developments are the latest in an unfolding confrontation between President Morsi and his Muslim Brotherhood supporters on one side, and his mainly secular political opponents and the judiciary on the other.
Mr Morsi adopted sweeping new powers in a decree on 22 November that stripped the judiciary of any power to challenge his decisions, so it is unclear what effect any Supreme Constitutional Court ruling would have.
However, analysts say any ruling opposing his decisions would be a direct challenge and would bolster the opposition campaign to have his decree annulled.
Mr Morsi has said a referendum on the draft constitution will be held on 15 December. His opponents say the draft constitution undermines basic freedoms.
