Three years after Egypt’s January 25 Revolution removed him from power, former President Hosni Mubarak has been acquitted of murder. The nationwide riots began in Cairo’s iconic Tahrir Square as part of the Arab Spring movement that swept numerous Arab leaders from their posts throughout the Middle East.
The former Egyptian leader who ruled his nation with an iron hand for decades was summarily deposed in early February 2011. Within weeks he was charged with the murders of hundreds of anti-government protesters by security forces and thrown into prison, where he remained for the past three years.
Following Saturday’s acquittal, Egyptian police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse more than a thousand protesters.
At least two demonstrators were killed and nine others were wounded in the melee that followed the 1,430-page decision handed down by Judge Mohamed Rashidi.
Although Mubarak was acquitted on the charges of murder — as well as charges of corruption that he faced with sons Ala’a and Gamal — he continues to serve a three-year sentence on a separate embezzlement charge.
Mubarak, age 86, was returned by stretcher to the military hospital where he currently is serving his term on house arrest.
