Wahed Reveals Details of Judge Data Leak: 200 Failed Cyber Attack Attempts Targeted the Ministry of Justice
Justice Minister Abdellatif Wahed disclosed new details regarding the leakage of sensitive information related to judges, confirming that the breach did not affect the ministry’s digital systems but rather targeted the information system of one of the lawyers’ unions. He clarified that the hackers managed to access data from a computer belonging to a former employee of the union.
During a legislative session at the House of Representatives, Wahed stated that the Ministry of Justice faced around 200 failed cyber attack attempts, which were thwarted by the technical team responsible for managing the informational aspect within the ministry.
The minister warned that the platform that was hacked is related to notaries and not the land registry, emphasizing that the ministry decided to place all related platforms under direct supervision to ensure the necessary cybersecurity protection.
Wahed also addressed the controversy surrounding Article 17 of the draft civil procedure code, noting that most requests for reconsideration are rejected because the laws specify the permitted cases precisely. He argued that the current text raises issues when it comes to rulings that violate the law and harm the appellants, affirming that he attempted to provide a solution to these issues through a new formulation of the article.
Article 17 allows the public prosecutor to request the annulment of any judicial ruling contrary to public order, even after the regular appeal deadlines, within a maximum period of five years from the date the ruling becomes final, and the request is made based on an order from the public prosecutor at the Court of Cassation.
Wahed also called for expediting the resolution of cases within the courts, criticizing the slow procedures that result in the loss of litigants’ rights. He cited cases where individuals spent years in pre-trial detention before receiving lighter sentences, and real estate disputes that have remained unresolved for decades.
The minister noted that he had received complaints about cases handled by dozens of lawyers aiming to delay the issuance of rulings, criticizing these practices and addressing lawmakers by saying: "Now you must choose, either to be firm in facing these situations or to continue leaving things as they are."
