Hosni Mubarak, the former president of Egypt, has returned to a Cairo court to face charges of corruption and killing protesters during the uprising that ultimately dislodged him from power.
Lying on a hospital stretcher in a blue prison suit inside the defendants’ cage, the 83-year-old seemed weak, appearing to close his eyes at one point during this morning’s proceedings.
His two sons, Alaa and Gamal, also accused of corruption, sought to shield their father from television cameras, as they did during their first appearance in court two weeks ago.
Mr. Mubarak has already plead his innocence. If found guilty, he could face the death penalty.
Presiding Judge, Ahmed Rifaat, called a recess less than an hour into this morning’s session to examine evidence, including a CD and computer flash drive.
Outside the court, a line of riot police and a metal fence separated rival groups of demonstrators, who scuffled briefly.
Mr. Mubarak arrived at the police academy, by helicopter, after 10 a.m. When he emerged on a stretcher, his supporters began chanting as his son, Alaa, covered the lens of a state television camera with his hand.
“We will save you Mubarak,” Mr. Mubarak’s supporters shouted, hoisting pictures of their former president into the air.
Inside the police academy, Mr Rifaat sought to impose some semblance of order on the unruly scene, where more than a hundred lawyers vied for the judge’s attention.
“This is beyond the power of any human being,” he said, visibly frustrated, urging the lawyers into their seats.
Inside the defendants’ cage, Mr. Mubarak’s sons clutched Korans.
The trial has transfixed Egyptians, who crowded around television sets in their homes and offices to watch the second day of proceedings broadcast live across the Arab world.
The real-time drama unfolding inside the police academy also offered a brief interruption to vexing questions over the future of the revolution, whose outcome remains unclear.
Six months after protests led to the toppling of Mr. Mubarak, the country remains under controversial military rule.
Parliamentary elections have been postponed until October or November, beyond the original six-month deadline. There are growing doubts about the generals’ real commitment to democracy.
Mr. Mubarak’s civilian trial is taking place not far from another court where activists have been subject to military trial.
On Sunday, Asmaa Mahfouz, a prominent activist and blogger was released on $3,400 bail after being charged with slandering and inciting violence against military leaders on social networking sites. On Twitter, many Egyptians remarked about the double standard of a former president being tried in civilian court and a civilian being subjected to military questioning.
Others have begun to voice broad concern over the rising clout of Islamist organizations ahead of elections. For some, the trial is nothing more than a distraction from more pressing concerns.
“I try to limit my interest in this trial because I think the future holds a lot of danger. We have to think of what lies ahead rather than the past,” said Tehany el Gabaly, Egypt’s first female judge.
It has become increasingly apparent that Mr. Mubarak’s trial will be lengthy, despite calls from within Egypt for speedy justice.
Protesters gathered outside the police academy voiced frustration.
Amir Shabrawy, a 31-year-old Egyptian had hoped the trial would be a brief precursor to punishment.
“We want to see him executed in Tahrir Square,” he said. “We will not be happy until we see this president dead.”
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