Morsi assumes sweeping powers

EGYPT: Egypt's Islamist President Mohamed Morsi assumed sweeping powers on Thursday, drawing criticism that he is seeking to become a “new pharaoh” and raising questions about the gains of last year's uprising which ousted Hosni Mubarak.

The move is a blow to the pro-democracy movement that toppled the long-time president, himself derided by many as a pharaoh, and raises concerns that Islamists will be further ensconced in power.

Opposition forces denounced the declaration as a “coup” and called for nationwide protests on Friday.

“The president can issue any decision or measure to protect the revolution,” according to a decree read out on television by presidential spokesman Yasser Ali.“The constitutional declarations, decisions and laws issued by the president are final and not subject to appeal.”

“This is a coup against legitimacy... We are calling on all Egyptians to protest in all of Egypt's squares on Friday,” said Sameh Ashour, head of the Lawyers syndicate, in a joint news conference with leading dissidents Mohamed ElBaradei and Amr Mussa.

AFP