Trial of Former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak Must Meet International Standards

The trial of former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak on charges of premeditated murder and attempted murder in connection with the shootings of anti-government protesters in January 2011 must be fair, transparent, and revealing of the full truth, according to Amnesty International. The trial, set to begin on Wednesday in Cairo, presents a historic opportunity for Egypt to hold a former leader and his inner circle to account for crimes committed during their rule. Amnesty International has urged the court to ensure that those attempting to attend the hearings are not mistreated and to maintain order without resorting to excessive force.

Key Takeaways:

• The trial of former President Hosni Mubarak and six other former senior officials on charges of premeditated murder and attempted murder is set to begin on Wednesday in Cairo.
• At least 840 protesters were killed and thousands of others were injured in January and February 2011, after police were reportedly ordered to fire on anti-government demonstrators.
• The families of the victims have campaigned relentlessly for the former president and those responsible for the killings to be held to account.
• Amnesty International welcomed the judge's decision to agree to live TV broadcasting of the trial, but also urged the court to ensure that those attempting to attend the hearings are not mistreated.
• The presiding judge has required applications in advance from those wishing to attend the trial in person, including lawyers, media, and families of victims, prompting fears of violence if victims' relatives are forcibly turned away by the security forces.
• Malcolm Smart, Amnesty International's Director for the Middle East and North Africa, has stated that the trial presents a historic opportunity for Egypt to hold a former leader and his inner circle to account for crimes committed during their rule.
• The families of the victims have returned in their thousands to Tahrir Square to demand that the military authorities and caretaker government speed up the trial process.
• If convicted, Hosni Mubarak and the other defendants could face the death penalty.

Statistics:

• At least 840 protesters were killed in January and February 2011.
• Thousands of others were injured during the same period.
• 6,000 families of the victims have campaigned relentlessly for the former president and those responsible for the killings to be held to account.

Sources:

• Amnesty International USA
• Amnesty International's Director for the Middle East and North Africa, Malcolm Smart