Egypt Supreme Court Rules Morsi Decree Unconstitutional
The Supreme Constitutional Court of Egypt said Monday that its rulings are binding for all state institutions, in response to the decision by President Mohamed Morsi to convene the parliament whose election was invalidated by the Court.
The Court, convened for an emergency session, said it was not entitled to reverse the decree by the head of state, but added on Tuesday it would consider appeals challenging the constitutionality of the presidential decision.
The Court disapproved on June 14 third of the seats in the People’s Assembly, the lower house of parliament, claiming the election law was unconstitutional. This ruling led the generals of the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF), in power since the downfall of President Hosni Mubarak in 2011, to dissolve the parliament two days later.
“The rulings and judgments are final and can not be appealed as provided by law. These decisions and their justifications are binding for all state authorities, “said the Supreme Court in a statement. “The Court asserts, as it has done repeatedly, it does not take a side in any political confrontation.”
This development came after the Speaker of the People’s Assembly announced a resumption of the lower house sessions despite its dissolution. Quoted by state news agency MENA, Saad al Katatni announced that MPs, mostly Islamists, were summoned at 10:00 am Tuesday for a special session.
