Top judicial body overrides decision to boycott Egypt referendum
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 3 December 2012 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Top judicial body overrides decision to boycott Egypt referendum, 3 December 2012, available at: http://www.refworld.org/docid/50c2099628.html [accessed 22 May 2013] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
December 03, 2012
Antigovernment protesters in Tahrir Square in Cairo in late November
Egypt's highest judicial authority has said it would delegate judges to oversee a referendum on a controversial draft constitution, overriding calls for a boycott.
Egypt's official MENA news agency quoted the Supreme Judicial Council as saying judges would monitor the December 15 vote across the country.
Muhammad Gadallah, an adviser to Islamist President Muhammad Morsi, confirmed the council's announcement.
On December 2, the Judges' Club – a body representing Egyptian judges – said they would refuse to oversee the referendum in response to Morsi decreeing an expansion of his powers.
Morsi's move on November 22 ignited a standoff with the judiciary and triggered nationwide demonstrations by both pro- and antigovernment protesters.
At least two people were killed during the demonstrations.
Based on reporting by Reuters and AFP
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
