Mubarak trial: Egypt's ex-president denies all charges

Gerald · 08-03-11, 08:22 AM

Hosni Mubarak: "I have not committed any such crimes"

Egypt's ex-President Hosni Mubarak has denied charges of corruption and ordering the killing of protesters, on the opening day of his trial in Cairo.

He was wheeled on a hospital bed into a cage in court to the astonishment of onlookers outside, correspondents say.

The 83-year-old is being tried with his sons, who also deny charges against them, ex-Interior Minister Habib al-Adly and six other former officials.

Mr Mubarak was forced from office by mass demonstrations in February.

The charge of ordering the killing of protesters carries the death penalty.

Some 3,000 soldiers and police were drafted in to maintain order at the police academy for the first day of the trial of Mr Mubarak and his sons, which has now been adjourned until 15 August. The trial of Mr al-Adly and the six other security officials is due to resume on Thursday.

Mr Mubarak's trial was originally going to be held in a Cairo convention centre but the authorities moved the venue to a temporary courtroom set up inside the academy because of security concerns.

An estimated 600 people are thought to be watching the proceedings in and outside the courtroom, with millions more watching on TV.

'Calm'

Up until the last moment there was doubt whether Mr Mubarak would actually appear in the court, say correspondents.

His defence team claim he is seriously ill and there was speculation they might negotiate for him to remain in the hospital wing of the police academy while the proceedings took place in the courtroom.

But Mr Mubarak was wheeled into the cage from where he observed proceedings with the other defendants, including his two sons Alaa and Gamal.

Judge Ahmed Rifaat opened the session by asking for order, saying "the civilised Egyptian people require calm... to make sure that the mission of the court is carried out fully so we can please God almighty and our consciences".

Despite that, the court session was at times unruly, with lawyers jostling and clamouring to be heard by the judge.

The charges against the Mubaraks were read out, and Hosni Mubarak and his sons each denied them.

"Yes, I am here," the former president said, raising his hand slightly when the judge asked him to identify himself and enter a plea. "I deny all these accusations completely."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-14382997

Note: 3 August 2011 Last updated at 12:26 GMT

MH · 08-03-11, 10:37 AM

....and something to keep spirit of change running.
Egyptian democracy is still far away.

Gerald · 08-03-11, 10:41 AM

Abolished by many countries for "light years" since.

MH · 08-03-11, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vendor

Abolished by many countries for "light years" since.

It was a metaphor lol.

Gerald · 08-03-11, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MH

It was a metaphor lol.

I know, LOL.

Jimbuna · 08-03-11, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MH

....and something to keep spirit of change running.
Egyptian democracy is still far away.

I'm not so sure (and I fully understand the metaphor)....he is still popular and held with high esteem amongst the ranks of many of his countries servicemen.

MH · 08-03-11, 12:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimbuna

I'm not so sure (and I fully understand the metaphor)....he is still popular and held with high esteem amongst the ranks of many of his countries servicemen.

Yes he is but there are a lot of people who want to see something done.
Economically nothing much can change in Egypt for better for a long time to come.
Possibly just may worsen.
Elections are still problematic so putting Mubarak on trial is next best thing to keep some people quiet-respected or not.
His charges are corruption (turned out he does not have billions of $ in bank accounts)collaborating with USA and Zionist regime and use of deadly violence against demonstrators.
There are a lot of people on the top that probably would let him retire if possible but the demand for revenge is too great.
Best case scenario is that they will drag the trail for as long as possible.
A show to keep some Egyptians occupied for now.

Jimbuna · 08-03-11, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MH

Best case scenario is that they will drag the trail for as long as possible.
A show to keep some Egyptians occupied for now.

Personally I think that is precisely what is going on

08-03-11, 08:22 AM	#1
Gerald SUBSIM Newsman Join Date: May 2008 Location: Close to sea Posts: 24,254 Downloads: 553 Uploads: 0	Mubarak trial: Egypt's ex-president denies all charges Hosni Mubarak: "I have not committed any such crimes" Egypt's ex-President Hosni Mubarak has denied charges of corruption and ordering the killing of protesters, on the opening day of his trial in Cairo. He was wheeled on a hospital bed into a cage in court to the astonishment of onlookers outside, correspondents say. The 83-year-old is being tried with his sons, who also deny charges against them, ex-Interior Minister Habib al-Adly and six other former officials. Mr Mubarak was forced from office by mass demonstrations in February. The charge of ordering the killing of protesters carries the death penalty. Some 3,000 soldiers and police were drafted in to maintain order at the police academy for the first day of the trial of Mr Mubarak and his sons, which has now been adjourned until 15 August. The trial of Mr al-Adly and the six other security officials is due to resume on Thursday. Mr Mubarak's trial was originally going to be held in a Cairo convention centre but the authorities moved the venue to a temporary courtroom set up inside the academy because of security concerns. An estimated 600 people are thought to be watching the proceedings in and outside the courtroom, with millions more watching on TV. 'Calm' Up until the last moment there was doubt whether Mr Mubarak would actually appear in the court, say correspondents. His defence team claim he is seriously ill and there was speculation they might negotiate for him to remain in the hospital wing of the police academy while the proceedings took place in the courtroom. But Mr Mubarak was wheeled into the cage from where he observed proceedings with the other defendants, including his two sons Alaa and Gamal. Judge Ahmed Rifaat opened the session by asking for order, saying "the civilised Egyptian people require calm... to make sure that the mission of the court is carried out fully so we can please God almighty and our consciences". Despite that, the court session was at times unruly, with lawyers jostling and clamouring to be heard by the judge. The charges against the Mubaraks were read out, and Hosni Mubarak and his sons each denied them. "Yes, I am here," the former president said, raising his hand slightly when the judge asked him to identify himself and enter a plea. "I deny all these accusations completely." http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-14382997 Note: 3 August 2011 Last updated at 12:26 GMT __________________ Nothing in life is to be feard,it is only to be understood. Marie Curie

08-03-11, 10:41 AM	#3
Gerald SUBSIM Newsman Join Date: May 2008 Location: Close to sea Posts: 24,254 Downloads: 553 Uploads: 0	Abolished by many countries for "light years" since. __________________ Nothing in life is to be feard,it is only to be understood. Marie Curie

08-03-11, 10:37 AM	#2
MH Ocean Warrior Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 3,184 Downloads: 248 Uploads: 0	....and something to keep spirit of change running. Egyptian democracy is still far away.