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    July 28, 2011

Mubarak Trial to be Held in Cairo

   VOA News
   Egypt's former President Hosni Mubarak (File)
   Photo: AP
   Egypt's former President Hosni Mubarak (File)

   Egypt's ex-president Hosni Mubarak will face trial next week in Cairo.
   Questions over Mubarak's health had led to speculation the trial would
   be postponed or take place in the resort city of Sharm el Sheik, where
   he is being treated.
   But state media quote Egypt's deputy justice minister as saying the
   trial will begin August 3, and be held at Cairo's convention center.
   Mubarak is facing charges of corruption and ordering the killings of
   protesters. Nearly 900 people were killed during the 18-day revolution
   that deposed him in February.
   Egyptian medical officials say Mubarak is weak and is refusing solid
   food. On Tuesday, the head of the hospital said that Mubarak has lost
   weight and is suffering "weakness and severe infirmity."
   Rumors about his health have been rife. Critics suspect they are
   designed to prevent the former leader from standing trial.
   If convicted, Mubarak could be sentenced to death. Any delay in his
   trial would likely further incite tensions between the military council
   currently ruling Egypt and protesters frustrated with the pace of
   change.
   Mass demonstrations are expected on Friday protesting what opponents
   say is slow reform and justice.

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

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