Fahmi, 65, replaces outgoing judge Said Marei Amr, who retired for health reasons.

The decision was widely acclaimed. Since coming to power, President Al-Sisi has reached out to Coptic Egyptians, seeking to address their concerns and ensuring their equal rights to all positions in the state.

*A version of this article appears in print in the 10 February, 2022 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly.