Egyptian army orders Mubarak under house arrest

Egypt’s military has ordered overthrown former President Hosni Mubarak to be placed under house arrest, according to the government.

Mubarak appeared set for conditional release from prison in mid-trial on charges of murder and corruption.

“In the framework of the emergency law, the deputy military ruler ordered Mubarak to be placed under house arrest,” said a statement from the Egyptian cabinet, according to AFP.

Adly Mansour, Egypt’s interim President had declared a state of emergency on August 14 after the country fell into deadly violence, granting security forces wide powers of arrest sidestepping the justice system.

On Wednesday, a court ordered Mubarak conditionally released on his last remaining charge.

The former Egyptian leader still faces trial on charges of murder and corruption related to his 30-year rule and the early 2011 uprising that led to his ouster, but authorities can no longer legally detain him in prison.

Mubarak, who had been convicted on the charges and sentenced to life last year before a court ordered a retrial, may be released as early as Thursday.

However, prosecutors might level new accusations against him to extend his detention in prison, as had been done in the past.

(With AFP)