News

It is seven weeks since Egypt's former president, Hosni Mubarak, swapped his luxury residence in Sharm el-Sheikh for a nearby hospital, having reportedly had a heart attack during interrogations. Now, the embattled leader is finding support in some unlikely quarters.

The public debate has not been silenced by the decision to try Mr Mubarak and his sons for corruption and their roles in the killing of more than 800 protesters during the recent uprising.

He and his top officials have also been fined $90m (£55m) for cutting off mobile phone and internet services.

Many Egyptians who took part in the revolution are relieved that the ruling military council - whose members Mr Mubarak appointed to their posts - is not sparing its old ally from charges which can carry the death penalty.