Egypt's Morsi branded new 'pharaoh'Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi has issued constitutional amendments, granting himself far-reaching powers. Source: AP
EGYPT'S Islamist President Mohamed Morsi has assumed sweeping powers, drawing criticism he is seeking to be a "new pharaoh" and raising questions about the gains of last year's uprising to oust Hosni Mubarak.
The move is a blow to the pro-democracy movement that toppled the long-time president, himself derided by many as a pharoah, and raises concerns that Islamists will be further ensconced in power.
"The president can issue any decision or measure to protect the revolution," according to a decree read out on television by presidential spokesman Yasser Ali.