On September 26, 2026, Abdel Majeed Mahmoud, Egypt's former Prosecutor General, attended the funeral of Ahmed Al-Zand, the former Minister of Justice and head of the Egyptian Judges' Club. The ceremony took place at the Mosque of Marshal Tantawi, bringing together many judges, officials, and public figures to pay their respects to Al-Zand. Mahmoud's presence at the funeral revived memories of their shared stance during the 2012-2013 crisis that engulfed Egypt's judicial sphere.
The crisis began in October 2012 when then-President Mohamed Morsi attempted to replace Mahmoud as Prosecutor General with a new appointee. This move sparked widespread controversy and opposition from the judiciary, with Al-Zand, then head of the Egyptian Judges' Club, emerging as a key figure in the resistance against Morsi's decisions. The confrontation centered on the independence of the judiciary and the legitimacy of Morsi's actions.
On November 21, 2012, Morsi issued a constitutional declaration that led to Mahmoud's removal as Prosecutor General and his replacement by Talat Abdel Allah. This decision was met with fierce opposition from the judiciary and the Egyptian Judges' Club, which organized protests and challenged the move in court. Al-Zand and Mahmoud were at the forefront of this opposition, with Al-Zand emphasizing the need to defend the law and judicial independence.
The conflict escalated, with judges across Egypt suspending work in protest against Morsi's decisions. The Egyptian Judges' Club and the Committee for the Defense of Young Judges and Prosecutors filed lawsuits challenging the legitimacy of Mahmoud's removal and the appointment of his successor. Mahmoud himself filed a lawsuit to contest his dismissal, marking a significant escalation of the confrontation.
In July 2013, a judicial ruling restored Mahmoud to his position as Prosecutor General, paving the way for his return to work. Al-Zand welcomed the ruling as a victory for the rule of law, describing it as a historic judgment. The ruling was seen as a significant blow to Morsi's legitimacy and marked a turning point in the power struggle between the judiciary and the Muslim Brotherhood.
Following Morsi's ouster in June 2013, Mahmoud's status as Prosecutor General was reaffirmed, and he continued to serve in that role until his eventual retirement. Al-Zand went on to serve as Minister of Justice, further solidifying his position in Egypt's judicial and political landscape. The passing of Al-Zand in 2026 brought Mahmoud back into the public eye, as he paid his respects to his former ally and friend.
Throughout his career, Mahmoud has been involved in several high-profile cases that have shaped Egypt's judicial landscape. As Prosecutor General from 2006, he oversaw investigations into several major scandals, including corruption cases, the sinking of a ferry, and the smuggling of counterfeit goods. His tenure was marked by controversy and criticism, but also by his unwavering commitment to upholding the law.
Key points
- Abdel Majeed Mahmoud, Egypt's former Prosecutor General, attended the funeral of Ahmed Al-Zand, recalling their shared experience during the 2012-2013 crisis.
- The crisis centered on Morsi's attempt to replace Mahmoud as Prosecutor General, sparking a confrontation over judicial independence.
- A 2013 judicial ruling restored Mahmoud to his position as Prosecutor General, marking a significant victory for the judiciary in its power struggle with the Muslim Brotherhood.
