(Egyptian Independent) — The statements of Ahmed al-Zend, the head of the Egyptian Judges’ Club, in which he said that Egypt’s judges are eager to apply Sharia law, have stirred a wide range of reactions among judges. Many say the comments are misleading.

Some judges argue that Islamic law is already applied to a large extent in Egypt, while others stressed the importance of not discussing this matter as judges have nothing to do with the laws they apply and that the matter concerns the legislative authorities.

Last week, Zend told prominent Salafi preacher Mohamed Hassan in a public lecture at the Judges’ Club that Egyptian judges are eager to apply Sharia, but he didn’t explain further what he meant.

A judicial source who requested anonymity said that Zend’s statements are meant to encourage Salafi MPs in Parliament to adopt the views of the Judges’ Club concerning a long awaited judiciary draft law.