Former head of the Judge's Club Zakaryia Abdel Aziz claims that former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak “was in good health during the trial,” and that his presence on a hospital gurney was a somewhat feeble attempt to change “public opinion.” The trial of the former president began today in the North Cairo Court, under the leadership of Judge Ahmed Rifaat. Gamal and Alaa Mubarak, the former president's sons, also accused of crimes, spoke with their father during the proceedings, and frequently tried to block Mubarak from the cameras, said Abdel Aziz. The main purpose of the cameras is to ensure Mubarak's physical presence in court, he claims. The Authority of State Affairs represented the civil plaintiffs – the January 25 Revolution martyrs and those injured in the 18-day uprising, Adbel Aziz said. The prosecution accused Mubarak and others of corruption, illegal control over the stock market and innumerable damages to public and private development in Egypt. Abdel Aziz is waiting for the Authority of State Affairs to restore Egyptian funds and compensate martyrs' families. He also criticized the civil plaintiffs' lawyers, arguing for greater cooperation and coordination with the prosecution, reminding them that they are on the same side. The international medical center where Mubarak will be transferred is more secure and well equipped to deal with all medical issues, said Abdel Aziz. The decision to postpone the trial of the former president, his sons and absent Egyptian businessman Hussein Salem (to resume August 15), and the trial of former Interior Minister Habib al-Adly and his six top aides (to resume tomorrow, August 4), is not considered a separation of the trials, as requested by the defendants' attorneys.
