CAIRO — Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi is sparking widespread controversy with his recent court appointments, ignoring the protests of numerous judges.

On July 19, Sisi appointed Judge Ahmed Abu al-Azm as head of the State Council, which adjudicates disputes to which the government is a party. The assembly of the council's judges had recommended Judge Yahya Dakroury, the most senior judge in line for that position.

On June 29, Sisi appointed Judge Magdy Mahmoud Taha Abu El-Ela to head the Supreme Judicial Council, instead of the most senior judge, Anas Amara, who supports the judiciary's independence and who was chosen by the Supreme Judicial Council from among three candidates. On the same day, Sisi also appointed Judge Hussein Abdo Khalil to head the State Lawsuit Authority and Judge Rachida Fathallah to lead the Administrative Prosecution Authority.

Sisi took those actions in accordance with a law parliament passed April 26 granting him the power to appoint the heads of four judicial bodies from among multiple candidates. Previously, each body appointed its most senior judge, and the president, strictly as a formality, authorized that person. Many judges oppose the new law, believing it undermines the judiciary's independence and the separation of powers.