In a significant move, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi has designated October 1 as National Judiciary Day, a new national holiday aimed at honoring the country's judiciary. This decision was made on June 2, 2021, during a meeting of the Supreme Council of Judicial Bodies, which El-Sisi chaired. The council, comprising top officials from various judicial bodies, including the Supreme Constitutional Court, the Council of State, and the Public Prosecution, agreed to establish October 1 as a day to celebrate the Egyptian judiciary.
The choice of October 1 as National Judiciary Day is not coincidental, as it marks the beginning of the new judicial year. This date has become a significant milestone in the Egyptian judicial calendar, symbolizing the country's commitment to upholding justice and the rule of law. The first official celebration of National Judiciary Day took place on October 2, 2021, at the Cairo International Conference Center, where El-Sisi attended and delivered a speech highlighting the importance of the judiciary in maintaining social stability and ensuring citizens' rights.
During the first celebration of National Judiciary Day, President El-Sisi praised the Egyptian judiciary, emphasizing its crucial role in achieving justice and promoting societal peace. He also paid tribute to the martyrs of the judiciary, including former Public Prosecutor Hisham Barakat. The event marked a significant moment in Egyptian judicial history, as it brought together top officials from various judicial bodies and government representatives.
One of the key outcomes of the June 2021 meeting was the decision to allow women to join the State Council and Public Prosecution, effective October 1, 2021. This move marked a significant step towards increasing female representation in the Egyptian judiciary. President El-Sisi highlighted this achievement during the first National Judiciary Day celebration, emphasizing the importance of promoting gender equality in the country's judicial institutions.
In addition to establishing National Judiciary Day, the June 2021 meeting led to several other important decisions aimed at modernizing Egypt's judicial system. These included the unification of financial benefits for equivalent grades in the four main judicial bodies and the implementation of new regulations for judicial appointments and transfers. The meeting also touched on plans to develop judicial infrastructure, including the creation of new justice cities and the use of technology to streamline judicial procedures.
The establishment of National Judiciary Day has become an annual event, with President El-Sisi meeting with members of the Supreme Council of Judicial Bodies and other judicial officials on October 1 each year. In 2023, El-Sisi congratulated the Egyptian judiciary on the occasion, reaffirming his commitment to supporting the country's judicial institutions and promoting justice and equality.
As Egypt continues to celebrate National Judiciary Day, the country looks forward to further developments in its judicial system. With a focus on modernization, technology, and inclusivity, the Egyptian judiciary is poised to play an increasingly important role in upholding the country's constitution and ensuring the rule of law.
Key points
- The Egyptian government has designated October 1 as National Judiciary Day to commemorate the country's judiciary and promote justice and equality.
- The first celebration of National Judiciary Day took place on October 2, 2021, with President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi attending and delivering a speech.
- The establishment of National Judiciary Day is part of a broader effort to modernize Egypt's judicial system and promote gender equality in the country's judicial institutions.
