Morsi extends powers with new decree

Fresh from his recent success in brokering the truce agreement between Israel and Gaza, Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi gave himself new powers that prevent courts from overturning any decree he has made since assuming office last June. These powers will exist until a new constitution is put in place. This move saw the ire of Morsi’s political rivals who say effectively the President has afforded himself executive, legislative and judiciary powers. On Twitter former presidential aspirant Khaled Ali called it, “the birth of a new dictator.” A 100-man council formed to draft a new Egyptian constitution are also protected by a new decree that prevents the council from being dissolved. The council has 6 more months to finish.

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