Mubarak healthy enough to attend trial: Egypt's govt

Cairo, Aug 2: On the eve of the much-awaited court hearing of Hosni Mubarak, Egyptian authorities today (Aug 2) said the 83-year-old former president is healthy enough to travel to Cairo to stand trial for killing of pro-democracy activists during a popular uprising that ousted his regime.

Mubarak, whose trial will begin on Wednesday, Aug 3, is under arrest in a Sharm el-Sheikh hospital since April, where he is undergoing treatment for a heart condition.

Egyptian Health Minister Amr Helmy told ''Al-Masry Al-Youm'' newspaper that Mubarak can travel to stand trial in Cairo and the cabinet would coordinate with the Health and Interior ministries to transport Mubarak.

The Health Ministry will ensure that a medical team and healthcare are provided for Mubarak during the trip, but the Interior Ministry is responsible for other necessary procedures, Helmy said.

He said Mubarak's health condition has not changed recently and he still suffers depression and a low appetite.

However, it is not clear whether Mubarak's doctors will allow transferring him from the Red Sea resort town to the capital city.

The trial will include Mubarak's sons, Alaa and Gamal, former Interior Minister Habib al-Adly and six of his assistants. Mubarak was forced to resign in February after the nationwide revolt.

Besides the killing of protesters, Mubarak has been charged with involvement in corruption and abuse of power. If found guilty of the murder charge, Mubarak may be executed.

PTI