By IANS,
Cairo : April 15 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Egyptian youth groups, which had taken part in demonstrations that led to the ouster of president Hosni Mubarak, Friday demanded a public trial for the former leader.
Mubarak, 82, was detained by investigators probing corruption and abuse of office allegations, and may be jailed or hanged if convicted, national media said.
The trial is expected to last at least one year.
“We are demanding an open trial that should be broadcast on television,” said Isra Abdel Fattah, a spokeswoman for the Revolutionary Youth Association.
Muataz Abdel Karim, of the Muslim Brothers youth wing, said a public trial would give the people hope that Egypt could become a genuine rule-of-law state.
“It is difficult to believe this, but Mubarak will become the first head of state in Egypt’s entire history to answer for crimes committed against his own people,” he said.
Mubarak has been living in a villa in the Sharm el-Sheikh resort city since stepping down and handing power to the military Feb 11 following an 18-day uprising.