Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi greets members of the Supreme Judicial Council before his speech during the celebration of the judicial day at the main headquarters of Supreme Court in downtown Cairo, Egypt April 23, 2016 (Egyptian Presidency)
Egypt's President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi told judges on Saturday he respects the independence of the judiciary, stressing he "never interferes with the country's justice system."
The president made the remarks during a speech he delivered to senior judges at the High Judicial Court in downtown Cairo on Saturday to mark Egyptian Judiciary Day.
El-Sisi told judges he pins great faith in the unity of Egyptians in the face of local and international "evil efforts" against the state, a theme he has visited on more than one occasion recently.
The president said he believes that the independence of the judiciary is a main pillar of the constitution, reaffirming that he never interferes with the country's justice system.
"Since taking responsibility, I've been keen to emphasise the independence of judiciary. Today, I affirm once again that I distance myself from any suspicion of influencing court rulings or interfering with its affairs."
El-Sisi also stressed that the country's national charter enshrines justice and equality, saying "everyone is equal before law."
El-Sisi went on to say that personal rights in the constitution also entail responsibility.
"Each right enjoyed by citizens is balanced by an obligation from them towards the state."
Short link: