Mubarak trial: judge bans TV cameras

Anger at decision as families of protesters killed during Egypt's uprising demand that justice is 'realised before their eyes'
  • The Guardian,
Hosni Mubarak lies on a stretcher in the courtroom 'cage' with his sons, as TV cameras film the hearing. Photograph: Reuters TV

A judge has ruled that TV cameras will not be allowed in court for the remainder of Hosni Mubarak's trial, prompting anger among Egyptians who fear the former president may escape justice.

Judge Ahmed Rifaat adjourned the trial until 5 September, when Mubarak, his former security chief and six senior officials will face charges of conspiring to kill protesters during the mass uprising that ousted them from power.

State TV cameras had been allowed in the courtroom for the first two hearings but Rifaat said he would ban them before witnesses are summoned. "It is in protection of the general interest," Rifaat said.

The decision was met with suspicion by many of those connected to the protests that brought down Mubarak. Ramadan Ahmed, the father of a 16-year-old killed during the uprising, said it was important for Egyptians to follow proceedings. "This is not correct. How can I be reassured and feel the justice," said Ahmed, who was refused access to the courtroom. "I want to see justice realised before my eyes."

Lawyers in the courtroom applauded Rifaat's decision. More than 100 are representing the families of the victims, prompting bickering and accusations that some were there to get on television.

"This decision pleases most of the lawyers who are really working on the case, not those who want the TV appearance," said Gamal Eid, who represents a number of families of dead protesters and watched the latest hearing from his office. "This will give us the right to some calm and concentration, and turns it [the trial] again into a legal case, not a show." Eid added that more family members should now be allowed into the courtroom.

Ailing Mubarak, 83, arrived by helicopter from the Cairo hospital where he has been held since his first court appearance on 3 August. He was wheeled into the metal defendants' cage on a bed with his two sons, Gamal and Alaa, by his side. The sons face corruption charges.

The trial of Mubarak, who ruled ruthlessly for 29 years, was one of the main demands of the protesters who forced him from office on 11 February.

After the session was adjourned Mubarak's sons waved to supporters before exiting the dock, pushing their father's stretcher. Mubarak was later escorted to a military ambulance and back to the hospital.

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