Mubarak trial to resume with no cameras

5 September 2011 08:11 am

The trial of former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and his sons is set to resume in the capital Cairo.The 83-year-old is accused of ordering the killing of protesters during the uprising earlier this year that ended his rule. He denies the charges.

Four police officers, including a top officer, who worked in the operations room at the time are due to testify.

TV cameras are to be banned from this hearing - the third such session since the trial began on August 3.

The decision to switch off the cameras was made by Judge Ahmed Refaat at the last session. He was said to have been exasperated by the army of lawyers showing off in for the benefit of television in court.

Observers have said the move should make the work of the court easier, although opponents of Mr. Mubarak have said this may be a cover-up signalling the court has done a deal with the defendants.

TV images of Egypt's leader for 30 years in a cage on a sick bed at his trial has been compulsive viewing for people across the Arab World, the BBC's Bethany Bell in Cairo says.

Strong emotions

The government daily newspaper, Al Ahram, said four police officers responsible for operations in the central security force would take the stand on Monday.

They include the head of communications, named as Gen Hussein Saeed Mohamed Mursi.

The victims' families want to know what orders Mr. Mubarak gave to his officials as police tried to stop the 18 days of mass protests in January and February.

Mr. Mubarak resigned on February 11, but not before some 850 people had been killed in the violence.

The trial of Mr. Mubarak, and his sons Gamal and Alaa, has been merged with that of former Interior Minister Habib al-Adly, who is also accused of ordering the killing of protesters.

All of the defendants deny the charges.

The trial has sparked strong and mixed emotions in Egypt, and led to clashes outside court, our correspondent says.

The charges

• Hosni Mubarak: Conspiring in killing of protesters (15 years in prison or death penalty); abusing power to amass wealth (5-15 years)
• Alaa and Gamal Mubarak: abusing power to amass wealth (5-15 years)
• Former Interior Minister Habib al-Adly and six aides: Conspiring in killing of protesters (15 years or death penalty)
• Hussein Salem, business tycoon and Mubarak confidant: tried in absentia for corruption (5-15 years in prison)

  (Source: BBC)