Egypt: Charges Against Mubarak Dropped

Published: 21 August 2013

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An Egyptian court dropped a corruption charge against former president Hosni Mubarak, who may be released soon according to Reuters.

A judicial source said that Mubarak would be held for an additional two weeks while a final decision is made, although a release was unconfirmed.  The charges Mubarak faces are of accepting bribes during his 30-year presidency.

Mubarak paid money equivalent to the value of gifts he received as president.

Mubarak is facing a life sentence for the Egyptian government's response to a popular revolt against his regime which crumbled in 2011.  He was sentenced in 2012 but will see a retrial after appeals from both the prosecution and defense.  He will not remain imprisoned during retrial.

The former president's legal battles come amidst a backdrop of conflict in Egypt.  Under Egyptian Minister of Defense and Commander-in-Chief General Abdel Fattah al-Sisi the Egyptian military has been unable to quell protests of Muslim Brotherhood supporters since the military-led ousting of President Mohamed Morsi.

Mubarak is imprisoned at Tora prison along with senior Muslim Brotherhood officials arrested since the June 3 overthrow of Morsi.

Mubarak's release could further destabilize the volatile political situation.