News / Africa

Egypt's Mubarak Appears in Court After Three-Month Break

Egyptian anti-riot police stand by a national flag as the trial of former President Hosni Mubarak resumes at the Police Academy on the outskirts of Cairo, December 28, 2011.
Egyptian anti-riot police stand by a national flag as the trial of former President Hosni Mubarak resumes at the Police Academy on the outskirts of Cairo, December 28, 2011.
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Former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak has appeared in court for the first time in three months on charges related to the deaths of hundreds of anti-government protesters early this year.

Mubarak arrived at the Cairo court by ambulance on Wednesday, as he has done for previous appearances. He was wheeled inside on a hospital bed. Doctors say the 83-year-old former leader is suffering from a heart condition.

The presiding judge heard statements from lawyers on both sides before adjourning the case until January 2nd.

The Associated Press says defense attorneys asked the judge to expand the case to include other incidents of violence and deaths of protesters that have taken place since Mubarak's February resignation.

Several dozen supporters and opponents of Mubarak rallied outside of the courtroom during the proceeding.

The former president is charged with involvement in the killings of more than 800 people during the anti-government protests that led to his resignation.

Mubarak's co-defendants, including two sons and his former interior minister, were present for Wednesday's session.

Some information for this report was provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.

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