Hosni Mubarak has stomach cancer, lawyer says
Egypt’s former president, Hosni Mubarak (right), reportedly suffers from stomach cancer and his health is deteriorating quickly. Seen here shaking hands with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in January, Mubarak has since stepped down and could soon be executed if convicted of ordering the killings of protesters in January.
Egypt's former President Hosni Mubarak is suffering from stomach cancer, his defense lawyer said Monday, and his health is reportedly deteriorating as he faces the prospect of facing trial for the killing of protesters and abuse of power.
"Mubarak has cancer and this was included in the last medical report," lawyer Farid el-Deeb said, citing a medical report to assess whether the former Egyptian president is fit enough to stand trial, Reuters reports.
Mubarak, who stepped down in February amid intense domestic and international pressure, is accused of ordering police officers to use live ammunition to kill protesters on January 25 in Cairo's Tahrir Square.
(From GlobalPost in Egypt: Inside the Muslim Brotherhood: Part 1)
Mubarak was hospitalized in the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh after reportedly suffering heart problems during initial questioning.
If he is convicted of ordering killings, Mubarak could be executed, CNN reports, citing comments by Egyptian Justice Minister Mohamed Abdelaziz al-Juindy.
Deeb has said that Mubarak is "very sad and sorry" about the allegations but that he had no regrets. The ex-leader also denies giving authorization to fire on demonstrators.