August trial date set for Mubarak

Former Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak, overthrown by a popular uprising earlier this year, could face the death penalty if …

Former Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak, overthrown by a popular uprising earlier this year, could face the death penalty if convicted on charges relating to the killing of protesters.

Mr Mubarak, who left power on February 11th after mass protests demanding an end to his 30 years in power, has been questioned about his role in a crackdown in which more than 840 demonstrators died, as well as about alleged corruption.

He could face the death penalty if convicted on the charge of "pre-mediated killing."

His two sons, Alaa and Gamal, once viewed as being groomed for the presidency, will also stand trial alongside their father and prominent business executive Hussein Salem.

Judge Sayed Abdel-Azim, the head of the appeals court, said the trial would open on August 3rd in a Cairo criminal court.

Egypt's public prosecutor said yesterday that Mr Mubarak was in no condition to be transferred to a prison hospital and would for now stay in a health facility in a Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, where he has been detained since mid-April.

Mr Mubarak was admitted to hospital after reportedly suffering heart problems during his initial questioning.

The alleged crimes listed by the prosecutor include pre-meditated murder, abuse of influence, wasting public funds and unlawfully making private financial gains.

His sons and other former top officials are being held in Torah prison on the outskirts of Cairo.

Reuters