Egypt forms panel to review constitution changes

Committee dominated by secular politicians to submit alterations for public referendum

CAIRO — Egypt’s interim president has appointed a 50-member committee, dominated by secular politicians and public figures, to review proposed amendments to the country’s Islamist-drafted constitution.

Presidential spokesman Ihab Badawi said Sunday the committee will meet Sept. 8 to begin discussions about the changes proposed by a group of judges. The constitution was enacted under ousted Islamist President Mohammed Morsi and sparked protests at the time by mostly secular opponents who said it undermined freedoms and rights.

Under a proposed military-backed timetable, the changes would go before voters in a public referendum within two months. The timetable calls for parliamentary and presidential elections to be held early next year.

The charter was suspended after the military ousted Morsi on July 3 following massive protests demanding he step down.