el-Sisi defies judges with top appointment

President Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi overruled a powerful branch of the judiciary by appointing justice Ahmed Abuol Azm as the head of State Council. The Egypt Independent reports that Azm replaces Mohamed Masoud, whose term ended on Wednesday. However, the deputy chair of the council Yehya al-Dakroury plans to challenge the decree in court, citing a violation of the principle of seniority. The move was in accordance with the new judicial authority law, which gives the President the right to select heads of judicial authorities. However, states the report, the appointment effectively defies the council judges who voted overwhelming to nominate Yahya Dakroury for the position in May.