Death sentence demanded for Hosni Mubarak

Egyptian prosecutors have demanded the death sentence for former president Hosni Mubarak and other defendants, including the former interior minister, for their role in the killing of protesters in the uprising that swept him from power.

For the final hearing of three that took place this week, Mubarak, 83, appeared in a courtroom cage with his sons, ex-interior minister Habib el-Adly and six senior police officers.

Mustafa Khater, a member of the prosecution team, said: “The prosecution demands the maximum penalty against Mubarak and the rest of the accused, which is death by hanging.

“The killing of one person calls for a death penalty, so what would the court say in a case where hundreds have been killed?”

His speech prompted cheers and applause from some lawyers.

The judge adjourned the trial until 9 January, when the plaintiffs’ lawyers will make their final statements.