Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi gained autocratic powers as a new constitutional decree was passed last Thursday.

The leader of the Muslim Brotherhood party “can issue any decision or measure to protect the revolution," confirmed his official spokesperson Yasser Ali.

"The constitutional declarations, decisions and laws issued by the president are final and not subject to appeal," Mr Ali said.

The president is now able to make judicial decisions ineffective and no court will be able to overturn any presidential decision.

Demonstrators gathered in Tahrir Square to protest against the announcement.

Nobel Laureate Mohammed ElBaradei called the president a “new Pharaoh” in an attack on Twitter. “Morsi today usurped all state powers and appointed himself Egypt's new pharaoh,” he said.

"A major blow to the revolution that could have dire consequences."

A spokesperson for a human rights organisation that focuses on the Middle East, the Henry Jackson Society, said: "While Morsi has recently been subjected to high praise from both the United Kingdom and United States, it is imperative that governments and human rights advocates keep a watchful eye on his activities at home.

“His rush to consolidate power over the past 24 hours is not unexpected, and the international community should do its best to make Morsi well aware that this move will not be taken lightly."