CAIRO — An Egyptian judge on Saturday sentenced former President Hosni Mubarak to life in prison for the killing of unarmed demonstrators during protests that ended his rule. It was the first verdict of an Arab ruler brought before the law by a popular revolt and for many Egyptians it may be the greatest achievement so far of the uprising that ended his rule. Judge Ahmed Rafaat acknowledged that prosecutors had presented no evidence that Mr. Mubarak had directly ordered the killing of protesters but reasoned that he was responsible because he had done nothing to stop the killing. His interior minister, Habib el-Adly, was sentenced to life for the same reason, but the charges against other Interior Ministry officials were dismissed.
The judge also dismissed the bribery charges against Mr. Mubarak and his sons, concluding that the statute of limitations had lapsed. Mr. Mubarak’s sons, Alaa and Gamal, will go free but still face stock manipulation charges that were announced last week.
Mr. Mubarak, 84, showed no reaction to the verdict as he lay reclining on a hospital gurney in the metal cage that houses all defendants here, wearing dark glasses and a light colored tracksuit. He blinked visibly several times when it was read. His two sons, standing in front of their father, had tears in their eyes.
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Egyptian Court Sentences Mubarak to Life in Prison
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