Intense Security planned for Mubarak’s trial

The Egyptian Ministry of Interior declared a state of high alert among intense security today in cooperation with the Egyptian Army; hour’s prior to the Mubarak trial is scheduled to begin which includes that of both his sons and the former Minister of Interior. It remains uncertain whether Mubarak will be present at the trial due to health issues, which according to his doctors prevented him from fasting for Ramadan Monday. It is thought that Mubarak’s lawyers will be using his health issues as an excuse to prevent him from attending the trial sessions. However, according to judicial sources, Mubarak can be relieved from the attendance if evidence is provided proving he truly is not fit to be in the courtroom; should that be the case the court may exercise its right to hire a forensic doctor to reaffirm the credibility of the reports. The court has side that the trial will go ahead whether Mubarak is present or not. A meeting was held by the Egyptian Minister of Interior Mansour Al-Eisawi in attendance were a number of assistant security leaders, where the final security plan regarding the trial was discussed. The trial will be held tomorrow, Wednesday, at the Police Academy. Major General Mohammad Nagib, Sinai Security Director confirmed that “Mubarak has been informed of the details of his trial, including date, time and location, after the Directorate of South Sinai was informed of the transfer of the former president to the Police Academy tomorrow morning.” In a televised interview Nagib said, “The coordination between our office and the Ministry of Interior to secure Mubarak’s commute is ongoing. Furthermore, conflicting reports about Mubarak's health status has spread only hours before the trial. Whereas medical reports had suggest he is not fit to attend, the Minister of Health Dr. Amro Helmi confirmed that since yesterday, Mubarak’s state has remained the same, meaning it is permitted to transfer him to Cairo. Dr. Helmi added that Mubarak is suffering from severe depression and has no desire to eat any food. Additionally, a senior medical source said that Mubarak’s health is relatively stable; however, he is not permitted to fast in Ramadan. As for the Manager of Sharm El Sheikh Hospital, Dr. Mohamed Fatah Allah, said: “Mubarak’s vital functions and general health is stable, and he can be transferred to Cairo.” More than 50 lawyers have volunteered to take on Mubarak and build a defense, Yusra Abdel Razzaq is among the pack. In a statement Al Masry-Al Youm, also volunteering legal counsel for Mubarak’s defense said: “800 pro-Mubarak lawyers have formed a coalition and gathered in Moustafa Mahmoud Square, of the 800 only 50 were selected to represent Mubarak’s defense. We are calling for the repeal of the decision made by Attorney General Abdelmajid Mahmoud to have Mubarak stand trial in “criminal court”. They added: “the remaining lawyers will join us outside the Police Academy during the trial.”