Egypt’s Mubarak summoned for interrogation, ex-pm in custody

 

Egypt’s top prosecutor has summoned ousted president, Hosni Mubarak, and his sons for interrogation while ex-premier Ahmed Nazif has been taken into custody on embezzlement charges, local media said on Sunday.

Former interior, tourism, housing and information ministers have already been put into custody and some are under house arrest after two-week riots in Egypt against Mubarak’s 42-year rule forced the ex-president to step down.

 

Mubarak, 82, is facing corruption charges but the date of his interrogation has not been set. He and his sons will be questioned about alleged shooting of peaceful demonstrators, power abuse and embezzlement charges. The former leader has been banned from leaving the country, and his accounts and property have been arrested.

Thousands of Egyptians calling for trial of Mubarak clashed with the army in Cairo on Saturday, leaving two people killed and 18 wounded.

The ex-president said on Sunday he was ready to open to public the numbers of his accounts to refute corruption allegations, Al-Arabiya television said.

“I was not involved in embezzlement and am ready to cooperate with investigators to prove that I do not have any property or accounts abroad,” Mubarak said in his first address to the public after two-week protests forced him to resign in mid-February.

Mubarak said he and his family had fallen victim to an unfair campaign and promised to do his best to prove his innocence.

“I intend to use my right to defend my reputation,” he said from his Red Sea residence in Sharm El-Sheikh where he has lived since he left office.

 

CAIRO, April 10 (RIA Novosti)

 

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