Egypt's military ruler: Mubarak never asked army to shoot activists

PanARMENIAN.Net - Egypt's military ruler Field Marshal Mohamed Tantawi has said former President Hosni Mubarak never asked the army to shoot activists during the uprising earlier this year. The comments, made during a ceremony south of the capital, come a week after Field Marshal Tantawi testified in secret at the former president's trial, BBC reports.

Mr Mubarak is charged with the killing of protesters during the 18-day revolt which forced him from office. Some 850 demonstrators were killed.

"The armed forces fight for Egypt and not for just anyone, whoever it may be," said Field Marshal Tantawi, who served as defence minister under Mr Mubarak for 20 years. "I testified before God and I told the truth," he said.

"Nobody asked us to open fire and nobody will open fire" on the people, he added.

A strict media blackout was imposed before Field Marshal Tantawi's appearance at Mr Mubarak's trial on 24 September.

His testimony was seen as vital in the trial where the former president faces charges of ordering government forces to fire on protesters. Mr Mubarak, who denies the charges, could face the death penalty if found guilty.

During the session, lawyers representing some of those people killed complained Field Marshal Tantawi gave evidence earlier than usual and left the courthouse without allowing them to cross-examine him.