Eight-hundred judges and prosecutors from Mansoura have filed complaints to the general prosecutor, Abdel Maguid Mahmoud, accusing the lawyers syndicate president, Hamdi Khalifa, and prominent Islamist lawyer, Montasar el-Zayat, of offending judges and inciting lawyers to protest. This comes after two lawyers, charged with assaulting Tanta's district prosecutor, were sentenced to five years in prison. The files also carry accusations against the "criminals" who stormed a Mahalla courthouse on Friday, saying they intented to damage public property, attempted murder of an employee and threatened security. They also charge security forces in Mahalla for "not fulfilling their duty" in arresting those involved. Judicial sources have said the General Assembly of Judges will meet to discuss the current situation and issue a binding decisions to all judges and members of public prosecution. On the other hand, People's Assembly Speaker Fathi Sorour held a meeting with Khalifa the day before yesterday and is scheduled to hold another one with the head of judges club to attempt a reconcilation. Al-Masry Al-Youm has been informed that lawyers' protests will continue until a compromise is reached. Translated from the Arabic Edition.
