Egypt’s justice minister submits resignation

Ahmed Mekky quits as fight for judiciary’s legitimacy grows

21 April 2013, 6:10 pm

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An Egyptian man throws a stone during clashes between rival groups of protesters in Cairo, Egypt, Friday, April 19, 2013 (AP Photo/Mostafa Darwish)

CAIRO (AP) — A government spokesman said Egypt’s justice minister submitted his resignation after the president’s supporters engaged in violent street clashes with opponents over calls to “cleanse the judiciary.”

Supporters of President Mohammed Morsi want him to purge the judiciary of former regime supporters. Many opponents of the called view it as an attempt by Islamists to control the judiciary.

Cabinet spokesman Alaa el-Hadidy said Justice Minister Ahmed Mekky submitted his resignation on Sunday. The presidency did not immediately say if the resignation was accepted.

In a copy of his resignation obtained by The Associated Press, Mekky said Friday’s protests led to the decision. He also mentioned a new law being discussed in parliament that could dismiss 3,500 of Egypt’s approximately 13,000 judges and prosecution officials by lowering the retirement age.