The Egyptian judge presiding over the trial of former president Hosni Mubarak has adjourned the proceeding until September 5 and has stopped live television broadcasts of the upcoming hearings.

The judge on Monday, August 15, also decided to merge the former president's trial with the trial of former interior minister Habib al-Adly. Adly and six deputies are accused of giving orders that led to the killing of protesters. That trial ended abruptly Sunday due to “commotion” in the courtroom and was adjourned until September 5.

Mr. Mubarak appeared in the courtroom in Cairo Monday lying on a hospital bed, just as he did during the dramatic opening session on August 3. He has pleaded not guilty to charges that he ordered the killing of 850 protesters during the uprising that drove him from power, VOA News reported.

The 83-year-old former president also faces charges of corruption and abuse of power.