The Egyptian judicial community held a funeral for former Justice Minister and prominent judge Ahmed Al-Zand at the Mosque of Marshal Tantawi in Cairo. The ceremony was attended by several high-profile figures, including former Prosecutor General Abdel-Majid Mahmoud and former head of the Judges' Club, Hamdi Abdel Tawab. Al-Zand, who served as the Minister of Justice and head of the Egyptian Judges' Club, was remembered for his tireless efforts in defending the independence of the judiciary.
During the funeral, Al-Zand's family members and colleagues paid tribute to his legacy. His nephew, Dr. Sharif Al-Zand, defended his uncle's reputation against allegations made by some media outlets. Dr. Al-Zand emphasized his uncle's commitment to social justice and his love for the poor. He urged those in attendance to research his uncle's life and legacy, which he said would speak for itself.
The funeral was also attended by current Prosecutor General Mohamed Shouqi, who issued a statement expressing his condolences to Al-Zand's family and the Egyptian judiciary. Shouqi described Al-Zand as a symbol of Egyptian judicial history and highlighted his contributions to the country's justice system. The Prosecutor General's statement reflected the high esteem in which Al-Zand was held by his peers.
The Egyptian judiciary and legal community have lost a prominent figure with Al-Zand's passing. Cairo's Court of Appeals and the Judges' Club issued statements mourning his loss. Court of Appeals President Majdi Ali Qasim praised Al-Zand's dedication to justice and the rule of law. The Judges' Club, under the leadership of Mohamed Rifat Gabr, remembered Al-Zand as a champion of judicial independence.
Tributes to Al-Zand also poured in from politicians and parliamentarians. Mahmoud Muslim, a journalist and parliamentarian, described Al-Zand as a hero of the January 25 revolution. Muslim praised Al-Zand's courage and sense of responsibility in the face of threats from the Muslim Brotherhood. Another parliamentarian, Mustafa Bakri, hailed Al-Zand as a fierce defender of the Egyptian people.
Al-Zand's legacy extends beyond his judicial career. He played a significant role in shaping Egypt's modern judicial landscape. Born in 1946 in the Gharbiya governorate, Al-Zand studied law at Al-Azhar University and began his career in the judiciary in 1970. He went on to serve in various roles, including as a judge in the United Arab Emirates.
Al-Zand's commitment to judicial independence earned him recognition and respect from his peers. He was a vocal critic of the Muslim Brotherhood and played a key role in defending the judiciary against attempts to undermine its independence. His passing leaves a void in Egypt's judicial community, but his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of judges and lawyers.
Key points
- The Egyptian judicial community mourns the loss of Ahmed Al-Zand, a prominent judge and former Justice Minister.
- Al-Zand was remembered for his tireless efforts in defending the independence of the judiciary.
- The funeral was attended by high-profile figures, including former Prosecutor General Abdel-Majid Mahmoud and current Prosecutor General Mohamed Shouqi.
