Confusion as Mubarak reported to be dead – then on life support machine

By DINA ZAYED
Published on 20/06/2012 01:28

UNCERTAINTY surrounded the health of former Egyptian leader Hosni Mubarak last night following conflicting reports that he had suffered a stroke.

Initial reports by the state news agency Mena said Mubarak was “clinically dead” when he arrived at the hospital from prison, that doctors had used a defibrillator on him several times, but that initially the efforts were not successful. But the official said later that Mubarak had now been put on life support.

No further details were given on his condition, though it was later reported that the former leader was close to death.

The 84-year-old ousted leader’s health crisis added a new element of uncertainty just as a potentially explosive fight opened over who will succeed him.

The developments add further layers to what is threatening to become a new chapter of unrest and political power struggles in Egypt following the presidential elections earlier this week,

The Muslim Brotherhood has said it does not want a confrontation with the army after claiming victory in the poll.

The campaign of Ahmed Shafiq, the former military man who was in the run-off against the Brotherhood’s Mohammed Morsi, has also claimed victory in the race. Official results from the weekend vote are not expected until tomorrow.

The ruling army council, which took control when former Mubarak was driven from office last year, issued an 11th-hour decree late on Sunday assuming legislative powers until a new parliament is elected, and keeping control of army affairs.

Thousands of Egyptians gathered in Cairo’s Tahrir Square and outside the parliament building yesterday to protest against the army’s decree. Protesters also gathered in Egypt’s second city of Alexandria. Earlier, the Brotherhood called for a mass rally.

“We do not seek any confrontation with anyone and no-one in Egypt wants confrontation,” said Yasser Ali, spokesman for Mr Morsi’s campaign. “There has to be dialogue and the people alone must decide their fate,” he told reporters, but added: “Nobody in Egypt is above the state and the constitution.”