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Egypt: Verdict in trial of former President Hosni Mubarak to be issued Sept. 27
Former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. PHOTO/File
Egypt’s former President Hosni Mubarak on Wednesday denied that he ordered protesters killed during the 2011 uprising that deposed him, his first lengthy statement to a court as his year-old retrial draws to an end.
Speaking from a cell that holds defendants, the 86-year-old Mubarak described his 29-year rule as one that stabilized the country, a theme employed during his last days in power as the popular revolt against him grew and he resisted calls to step down.
“Hosni Mubarak speaking to you today would never order the killing of protesters or shedding the blood of Egyptians,” the former leader said in a speech where he appeared at times sympathetic but also defiant.
“I voluntarily chose to give up my responsibility as president to prevent bloodshed and to preserve national unity, for Egypt not to slip into a dangerous path toward the unknown,” he added.
Mubarak was found guilty in June 2012 of failing to stop the killing of over 900 protesters during the 18-day uprising and was sentenced to life imprisonment, but his conviction was overturned in January 2013. That decision was appealed by prosecutors, and a retrial began in April 2013.
Along with Mubarak, his security chief Habib el-Adly, convicted and sentenced to life in prison on the same charges, as well as 6 of el-Adly’s top aides, are also standing trial. All 6 were acquitted in the earlier trial.
The final verdict will be issued on September 27, the judge said.
