Egypt appoints 31 female judges in landmark move

Egypt has approved the appointment of 31 female judges for judge or chief justice positions, The Associated Press reported Thursday. This is seen as a move towards a new era for Egypt's judiciary, despite resignations from many of the country's Islamic groups. The appointments by Supreme Judicial Council Chairman Mukbil Shaker, announced by state television Wednesday, are Egypt’s first for female judges.

Analysts say the move is also intended to boost President Hosni Mubarak’s standing as provider of social and political reforms. However, others like Fatima Lashin, an Egyptian lawyer, say that the appointments are only cosmetic since Mubarak, according to the article “intends to send the female judges to family status tribunals and not criminal courts.”

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