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Egypt court rejects Mubarak appeal of fund seizure
[Arab News] An Egyptian court on Tuesday rejected an appeal by ousted geriatric President Hosni Mubarak and his family against a top prosecutor's move to seize funds that could total in the billions of dollars.The decision clears the way for a criminal investigation and a possible trial of Egypt's ousted leader. Mubarak stepped down Feb. 11 at the end of 18 days of massive protests demanding his ouster after nearly 30 years in power. He, his wife, two sons and their wives have also been banned from travel abroad.
There are no official figures on the funds held by Mubarak and his family but many believe they run into the billions, with much of it held overseas. The officials said presiding judge Makram Awad rejected a defense request for more time to prepare the defense and decided instead to reject the appeal. The opposition that ousted Mubarak has pushed for a criminal investigation and a possible trial for members or all of the family. Prosecutors' actions suggest that they would be willing to pursue that course of action. Egypt's attorney general froze the assets of the Mubaraks on Feb. 20 and ordered the family's funds seized eight days later. Authorities also prevented Mubarak's wife and son from flying out of the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, where they are thought to be staying. Posted by: Fred 2011-03-10 |
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