Mubarak’s retrial adjourned as court orders release of his sons

A criminal court in Cairo on Monday ordered the release of Alaa and Gamal Mubarak, former Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak’s sons.

"The court orders their release so long as they are not being detained in other cases," said Judge Mahmud al-Rashidi, who set July 6 as the date for the next hearing in Mubarak's trial.

In the latest hearing, cartons filled with police notebooks and videos of demonstrations on Cairo's Tahrir Square, epicenter of the 2011 revolt during which almost 850 people died, were submitted to the court.

The defense asked for an adjournment to study the new material.

Both of Mubarak’s sons have been detained since investigations began over two years ago. They are being re-tried on charges related to abuse of power and corruption.

According to the court ruling, Alaa and Gamal Mubarak have been in custody beyond the maximum period of provisional detention allowed by the law.

However, both sons will continue to be detained as they face other corruption-related charges.

Mubarak faces charges of complicity in the killings of protestors during the 2011 revolution, along with charges of corruption.

Mubarak had been sentenced to life in prison by a previous court, but an appeals court ordered a retrial, citing procedural failures.

Mubarak, 85, in white prison uniform and dark glasses, was present in the cage on Monday holding the accused, along with his sons, former interior minister Habib al-Adly and six former police commanders.

(With AFP)