Independent judiciary needed for Egypt’s democratic transition

An independent judiciary is necessary for Egypt’s democratic transition and to protect human rights, Bruce Rutherford writes for Foreign Affairs. Rutherford argues that strengthening legal institutions and restoring their reputation would help curb the power of the presidency and protect the rights of citizens. “Weak legal institutions allow for rampant corruption and police brutality,” he says, adding that promoting greater judiciary independence is more achievable under current conditions than some would expect.

The story is dominating the conversation on Egypt in the foreign press this morning.