Morsi Declares Himself Dictator of Egypt

OBAMA'S MAN IN EGYPT

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Egypt

Egypt’s Morsi takes on sweeping powers

Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi has decreed constitutional changes granting himself far-reaching powers. He also fired the country’s chief prosecutor, a move likely to cause further conflict with the judiciary.

The Egyptian leader on Thursday decreed, among other constitutional amendments, that all decisions he had taken since taking office in June could not be appealed in court or by any other authority.

A constitutional declaration read out on television by spokesman Yasser Ali stated that Morsi “can issue any decision or measure to protect the revolution.”

“The constitutional declarations, decisions and laws issued by the president are final and not subject to appeal,” the declaration continued.

Morsi also granted immunity both to the constituent assembly drafting a new Egyptian constitution and to the upper chamber of parliament from any possible court decisions to dissolve them. Both bodies are dominated by Islamist allies of the president.

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“Morsi today usurped all state powers and appointed himself Egypt’s new pharaoh. A major blow to the revolution that could have dire consequences,” ElBaradei wrote on his Twitter account on Thursday.

More here at the BBC