Published Date: 2025-05-11 10:42:39 Updated At: 2025-05-11 11:13:18

Judge Shaaban El-Shami, head of the Supreme State Security Court, passed away this morning, Sunday, after a long battle with illness, causing a huge shock in Egyptian judicial circles. Judge El-Shami was one of the most prominent legal figures in Egypt in recent decades, leaving behind a significant legacy in his field. He was considered one of the judges who served justice in the most difficult circumstances and toughest trials. He was known for his decisiveness and strictness in making decisions, as well as for his sense of humor, which helped alleviate the tension in court sessions and made them more humane and flexible, despite the importance of the cases he dealt with.

Judge El-Shami was born in 1953 and graduated from the Faculty of Law at Ain Shams University in 1975 with an "Excellent" grade. He began his professional career in the Public Prosecution in 1976, where he was appointed as an assistant prosecutor. He quickly advanced through judicial ranks, being promoted to Chief Prosecutor in 1981, and continued his distinguished career in the judiciary. He held several high-ranking positions in the prosecution and courts, including head of the North Cairo prosecution, then a judge in the Court of Appeals, and finally, he was appointed to the Criminal Court in 2002.

Throughout his long career, Judge El-Shami handled many high-profile cases, some of which captured public attention, such as major corruption cases and crimes that destabilized internal stability. Despite the immense pressure he sometimes faced, he always remained firm and just in making decisions, never compromising on any of the principles of law. He was one of the judges known for his strong commitment to justice, always ensuring his integrity and impartiality in every case, even in the most challenging moments in the country.

One of Judge El-Shami’s notable achievements was his pivotal role in modernizing the Egyptian judicial system. He was one of the first to introduce technology into the judiciary by implementing the use of computers to record cases and issue rulings, marking a major shift in the way judicial files were managed in Egypt since 1994. This development helped expedite legal procedures and made the judicial system more transparent and efficient.

Judge El-Shami also handled many complicated cases that became part of modern Egyptian history. He was always known for his ability to conduct trials with high efficiency, ensuring that the law was applied in a firm and balanced manner. He struck a balance between decisiveness in issuing judgments and creating a humane atmosphere in the courtroom, which earned him the respect of everyone.

The passing of Judge Shaaban El-Shami represents not only a significant loss for Egyptian justice but also a loss for the judiciary as a whole, as he was one of the judges who helped build a strong image of the Egyptian judiciary both domestically and internationally. He left a clear mark in the history of Egyptian justice, not only for his wisdom and fairness but also for being a model of perseverance and determination in the pursuit of justice, regardless of the challenges.

With his passing, Judge El-Shami’s contribution to the development of the Egyptian judicial system remains present in the minds of all, reflecting his great efforts in a long journey filled with service and national contribution, making this moment a true loss for Egypt and the judiciary in particular.