Abdel-Moneim Abdel-Maksoud, Muslim Brotherhood lawyer, stressed that there is an organised plot to prevent the writing of the Constitution of Egypt, and that sponsors of this plot are keen to maintain the confused legal, constitutional and political landscape in Egypt.
In a press statement on July 14, Abdel-Maksoud said, “I hate to think Egyptian judiciary can be a party to this scheme, because the circumstances surrounding the speeding of the Constituent Assembly case suggest that a decision may have already been made on its future.
“This case was filed for consideration by State Council’s First Circuit Court of Administrative Justice more than a month ago. That court reviewed the case and issued a decision to postpone its final verdict to the first session to be convened in September 2012.”
The Brotherhood’s lawyer further stressed that such actions cast a shadow on this court’s competence for consideration of the Constituent Assembly case.
Moreover, Abdel-Maksoud said he was confident that State Council judges, who for decades have been a stumbling block in the path of authoritarian regimes and a haven for all the oppressed and the repressed, will continue their honourable work as independent judges, allowing no one to break their will or compromise their integrity.
NO DISAGREEMENT ON FREEDOMS
Dr. Mohamed Beltagy, Rapporteur of the Constituent Assembly (CA)’s Committee on Suggestions and Community Dialogue, said that there are no disputes in the CA about citizenry or freedoms.
“The main problem hindering the CA’s work is the issue of civil-military relations. We are looking for a balanced approach in the ongoing discussions.
“There are arrangements for special consultation meetings with prominent national figures such as Dr. Mohamed ElBaradei, Dr. Mostafa El-Sayed and Dr. Ahmed Zewail. Although they are not among the members of the Constituent Assembly tasked with writing Egypt’s new national charter, we need to listen to their views on various issues.”
Beltagy further added, “We respect decisions of the judiciary. We will respect and act upon any ruling by the Administrative Court, in an honourable, patriotic and people-supported manner. We will finish what we have accomplished so far in the CA.
“There is no ‘parallel authority’. This is popular, patriotic work we present to the people. We will stand against all attempts to drag us back to dark repressive times.”