Egypt: The retrial of Hosni Mubarak and his aides is set for April

Egypt's former President Hosni Mubarak during
his trial in summer 2012

Egypt’s Court of Appeal headed by Judge Samir Abul-Moaty announced on Sunday, 3 March, that the retrial of Egypt’s ex-President Hosni Mubarak will start on 13 April 2013. Mubarak’s ex-Minister of Interior Habib El-Adly and six aides of President will also face the retrial.

Hosni Mubarak and Habib El-Adly along with other high ranking officials have face the trial in 2012 and have been accused of failing to stop the deaths and injuries of the peaceful protesters during the January 25 Revolution in 2011. Hosni Mubarak and Habib El-Adly have been sentenced to life in prison in June 2012, while six Mubarak officials have been acquitted due to the lack of evidences against them. This court decision sparked anger and provoked protests in Egypt.

Egypt’s Court of Appeal accepted Hosni Mubarak’s request for the retrial received in January, and the date of the beginning of the retrial has been announced on Sunday.

The retrial of Egypt’s ex-President who ruled the country during almost 30 years and of his Minitser of Interior and six aides should answer the questions regarding the deaths of the protesters during the Revolution’s events. Among the most important and sensitive issues to be cleared during the retrial is the question of who is responsible of the massive crackdown and who executed it.

Hosni Mubarak’s both sons, Alaa and Gamal, will also face the retrials in corruption cases.

It’s also worth mentioning that the decision of the Court of Appeal about the retrial of Mubarak and his aides caused anger and protests among many Egyptians. A lot of Egyptians have been disappointed by the initial sentence too demanding the death penalty for Hosni Mubarak, Habib El-Adly and other high ranking officials accused of being responsible for the killings of the protesters.

Egypt’s next President Mohamed Morsy in his turn announced that all the families of the victims should receive the compensation, and those responsible should be brought to accountability. With his Constitutional Decree President ordered the retrial of Mubarak and his aides in case the new evidences will be found.