CAIRO: Ousted Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak's trial was postponed to September 5 and the court ordered the end of the live airing of the sessions “for the public good,” judge Ahmed Refaat said. The court said it will start listening to witnesses and examine evidence starting in the next session. During Monday's proceedings, clashes erupted between lawyers during a recess, but was broken up by the court security shortly after it began. Activists and bloggers have criticized the fact that Mubarak and his sons, Gamal and Alaa, are not handcuffed as per the court's regulations and that Mubarak himself did not adhere to the white uniform. Alaa Mubarak covered the camera for the second time before the session began. As they were leaving the court house following the first session, Alaa covered the lens with his hand. The session resumed after the recess full of chaos and disorganization on the side of lawyers. Mubarak was brought back to the cage lying on the bed, surrounded by his two sons and was caught on camera shutting his eyes, possibly sleeping at times during the trial. Pro Mubarak supporters erupted in shouts after the judge's decisions and Mubarak and sons were seen saluting the few individuals who cheered them. The case has captured Egypt's attention as citizens were glued to their television sets throughout the proceedings. However, the ending of live airing of the trial could bring anger among some activists, who demanded that the case be broadcast in order to maintain complete transparency of the case against the former president. Mubarak is charged with ordering the killing of protesters during the 18-day uprising that ended his three-decades in power as well as corruption. If convicted, he could face the death penalty. BM
