Mubarak retrial ordered by Egyptian court
Former Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak, lies on a stretcher as he leaves court following his trial at police academy, on the outskirts of Cairo on January 2, 2012.
An Egyptian court overturned the conviction of former President Hosni Mubarak Sunday and ordered a new trial on charges he directed the killing of protesters, Reuters reported.
Mubarak, 84, was ousted in 2011 after 30 years in power and jailed for life last year.
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The decision from Egypt's highest court comes days before the second anniversary of the three-week revolution that ended Mubarak's rule and threatens instability as the country prepares for parliamentary elections, The New York Times reported.
Mubarak will be retried alongside his interior minister, Habib Al Adly, who was also sentenced to life in prison, the Wall Street Journal reported.
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The ruling was not entirely unexpected, although the court on Sunday erupted in cries of jubilation and protest after it was announced, according to The New York Times.
Mubarak supporters jumped onto desks in the courtroom to celebrate and a handful of others demonstrated outside and at the hospital he remains in.
An explanation behind the ruling is expected at a later date, The Associated Press reported.
No retrial date was set, and Mubarak will remain in custody while under investigation on other charges.