Egypt putting Mubarak on public trial next week

CAIRO – Toppled Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, his two sons and several others charged with plotting to kill hundreds of anti-government demonstrators will face a public trial in Cairo beginning Wednesday, a senior Egyptian official said Thursday.

The announcement – which came after the Egyptian health minister reported that Mubarak’s health was stable enough for him to be transported to Cairo – allayed fears among many Egyptians that the 83-year-old former president would escape a trial.

Along with Mubarak and his sons, Alaa and Gamal, fugitive businessman Hussein Salem, former Interior Minister Habib el Adly and six senior police officials face multiple charges of stealing government funds and conspiring to kill more than 850 protesters.

Deputy Justice Minister Mohammed Munie announced Thursday that the trial will be held in a large arena within a maximum-security government zone in eastern Cairo.