Mubarak set to stand trial on charges of corruption, murder

Cairo, Aug 3: Ousted Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak is set to stand trial today (Aug 3) on charges of corruption and ordering the killing of pro-democracy protesters during a massive uprising that toppled his regime in February.

Egyptian authorities have said the 83-year-old former strongman is healthy enough to travel to Cairo, where security has been beefed up in wake of the much-awaited trial.

The trial will include Mubarak's sons, Alaa and Gamal, former Interior Minister Habib al-Adly and six of his assistants.

"Mubarak can travel to stand trial in Cairo and the Cabinet would coordinate with the Health and Interior ministries to transport him," Egyptian Health Minister Amr Helmy was quoted as saying by ''Al-Masry Al-Youm'' newspaper.

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.

Mubarak, who ruled with an iron fist for nearly three decades, is under arrest in a hospital in the Red Sea resort town of Sharm el-Sheikh since April, where he receives treatment for a heart condition.

Helmy said Mubarak's health condition had changed little recently and he suffers from depression and maintains a low appetite.

According to news reports, more than 1,000 security personnel will be deployed around the Cairo Police Academy, where the trial is set to take place, and efforts have been made to ensure spectators in the court don't get close enough to the defendants' case to avoid any agitation.

Besides the killing of protesters during the nationwide revolt in February, Mubarak has been charged with involvement in corruption and abuse of power. If found guilty of the murder charge, he could be executed.

The trial will be televised live on state TV.

PTI