Trial of Egypt’s ex-President Hosni Mubarak adjourned till 25 August amid the clashes

Egypt's ex-President Hosni Mubarak

Egypt’s North Cairo Court has taken the decision today, on 17 August, to adjourn the trial session of Egypt’s ex-President Hosni Mubarak ousted in 2011, his sons, ex-Minister of Interior Habib El-Adly and six his aides. The trial is adjourned till 25 August 2013 as the accused failed to show up during today’s Court’s session.

Hosni Mubarak and other defendants in this case didn’t appear in the courtroom due to security situation and ongoing clashes in Cairo and nationwide, according to the official statement. This was the main reason of adjourning the date of trial.

The situation in Cairo and in Egypt as well remains tense as the deadly clashes continue nationwide. The supporters of Egypt’s deposed President Mohamed Morsy and Islamist Muslim Brotherhood are protesting since Wednesday, when Egypt’s Security Forces have dispersed the main sit-ins of Islamist supporters in Cairo. Violence sparked after the dispersal operation took the lives of more than 600 people and more than 5000 injured, according to the official reports of Egypt’s Health Ministry.

Clashes in Cairo after the "Friday of Rage" protests

Supporters of Mohamed Morsy and Muslim Brotherhood headed to the squares and streets of Cairo and other Egyptian cities on Friday, 16August, in the huge marches called “Friday of Rage” to protests the actions of Egypt’s government and security forces and to express their anger. The marches soon turned violent and the clashes erupted between Islamist protesters, residents and security forces with the live ammunition being used.

At least 173 people have been officially reported killed and more than 500 injured nationwide since Friday clashes. The situation remains tense with the additional police and military forces deployed in the streets. There are also military vehicles and tanks as well, the main roads in Cairo are blocked by security forces due to security reasons. State of emergency was declared in the country for at least one month.

Heavy military presense in Cairo after the clashes

Due to these reasons the appearance of the defendants was impossible today, so the court session is adjourned.

Hosni Mubarak, his Interior Minister Habib El-Adly and six aides are facing accusations in the case of killing the peaceful protesters during January 2011 Revolution, the case in which the defendants received the life in prison sentence, but the Court later ordered retrial due to the new evidences and some irregularities during the first trial.

Hosni Mubarak and two his sons, Gamal and Alaa, are also facing the accusations of corruption.