June 2 set as Egyptian ex-President’s trial dateFebruary 22, 2012 - 21:40 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - An Egyptian judge on Wednesday, Feb 22 set June 2 as the date for the verdict and sentencing in the trial of former President Hosni Mubarak. Mubarak, who ran Egypt for 30 years, is accused of complicity in the killing of protesters during the 18-day popular uprising that pushed him from power in February of last year. The prosecution is asking for the death penalty, usually carried out by hanging in Egypt. More than 800 people were killed during the uprisings, many of them demonstrators shot dead by security forces. Judge Ahmed Rifat said Wednesday that the final hearing, in which Mubarak will receive both his verdict and sentence, will be live on TV. Most media have been barred from the majority of the hearings in the seven-month trial. Egyptians have closely followed the case, and many see its slow progress as an indictment of the council of ruling army generals who took power when Mubarak stepped down. Critics of the military's handling of the transition to democracy say the trial's pace reflects a wider lack of justice for those killed in the uprising. Egyptian courts have so far not punished any police officers for the protester deaths. Others have criticized the prosecution's handling of the case, saying it has failed to present strong enough evidence to support a murder charge. Mubarak's defense team argues that he is still president, and thus can only be tried for treason or in a special court, The Associated Press reported. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | About 32,000 rally in Yerevan to deman Pashinyan’s resignation About 31,700 people attended an opposition rally on Thursday, May 9 in Yerevan demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. Armenian, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister to meet in Almaty Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and his Azerbaijani counterpart Jeyhun Bayramov will meet in Almaty. Viva-MTS: Tech solutions to modernize infrastructure of border village The border village has been the focus of Viva-MTS and the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Values since 2015. Ucom's fixed network launched in Artashat To mark this occasion, the company has introduced a special offer exclusively for Artashat residents. |