BICOM

Former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak left hospital in Sharm al-Sheikh today to travel to Cairo, where he is due to join other former officials to stand trial on charges of murder. The charges relate to actions and decisions allegedly undertaken by Mubarak that led to the deaths of protesters during the unrest that ended his rule earlier this year. They include conspiring in the killing of protestors, and abusing power in order to amass wealth. In addition to murder, Mubarak has been accused of corruption and abuse of office, allegedly for harming Egypt’s national interests by selling natural gas to Israel.

A court, with a cage in which defendants will be confined, has been set up in the Police Academy in Cairo. A screen has also been placed outside the building on which the trial proceedings will be shown. If convicted, Mubarak could face the death penalty. Mubarak’s sons Gamal and Ala’a will stand trial alongside him, as will former Interior Minister Habib al-Adli and six senior military officers.