Ahmed El-Zand, former Egyptian Minister of Justice, dies at 80

Ahmed El-Zand, the former Egyptian Minister of Justice and former president of the Egypt Judges Club, has passed away at the age of 80 following a recent health crisis. His funeral was scheduled to take place at the Al-Mushir Tantawy Mosque following Asr prayers, with the procession proceeding to the Cairo cemeteries on the Ain Sokhna road.

El-Zand held significant roles in the Egyptian legal and political landscape. He served as Minister of Justice during the cabinets of Ibrahim Mahlab and Sherif Ismail. He also led the Egypt Judges Club for two consecutive terms starting in 2009. His career included international experience, having served as the head of the Sharia Court in Ras Al Khaimah and as a legal advisor to the Crown Prince of Ras Al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates during the 1990s.

His tenure was often marked by political debate. He was noted for his opposition to the Muslim Brotherhood and his stance during the 2012 constitutional crisis, where he led the Judges Club in opposing certain constitutional declarations. While some colleagues praised his defense of judicial dignity, others viewed his career as being closely aligned with executive authority during various political shifts in Egypt.