‘No cameras’ for Mubarak trial, set to resume in Egypt

The 83-year-old stands accused of ordering the killing of protesters during the uprising earlier this year that overthrew his regime, charges which he has so far denied.

Four police officers, including a top officer, who worked in the operations room at the time, are due to testify.

But despite the case’s international high profile, TV cameras are to be banned from this hearing - the third such session since the trial began on 3 August.

The decision to switch off cameras was made by Judge Ahmed Refaat at the last session, reportedly exasperated by the legion of lawyers grandstanding in court for the benefit of the thousands following the trail at home and online.

While observers have said the move should make the court’s work easier, Mubarak’s opponents are already claiming potential foul-play, insisting that this may be a cover-up signalling the court has done a deal with the defendants.

The government daily newspaper, Al Ahram, said four police officers responsible for operations in the central security force would take the stand today. These include the head of communications, named as Gen Hussein Saeed Mohamed Mursi.

Mubarak resigned on 11 February, but not before some 850 people had been killed in the violence.

The trial of Mubarak, and his sons Gamal and Alaa, has been merged with that of former Interior Minister Habib al-Adly, who is also accused of ordering the killing of protesters.

All of the defendants deny the charges.