Egypt’s ‘Death Penalty Judge’ Shabaan El-Shami, Who Sentenced Mohamed Morsi, Dies at 72; Former Newark Mayor Sharpe James Dies at 89

Shabaan El-Shami, known as Egypt's 'death penalty judge,' died at the age of 72 after a battle with cancer. El-Shami was notable for sentencing hundreds of individuals to death, including former Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi. His judicial career spanned several Egyptian administrations, from Anwar Sadat to Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, and he was recognized for his role in issuing harsh sentences during periods of political repression. Meanwhile, Sharpe James, the longest-serving mayor of Newark, New Jersey, passed away at the age of 89. James was credited with overseeing the revitalization of Newark's downtown area but was later convicted in a corruption scandal. These deaths mark the passing of two prominent figures with complex legacies in their respective countries.