Former Corrupt Interior Minister Faces Charges of Murder, Incitement and Money-Laundering

Former Corrupt Interior Minister Faces Charges of Murder, Incitement and Money-Laundering

The prosecution began investigating Egypt’s former Interior Minister Habib al-Adly on charges of killing demonstrators and creating lawlessness during the January 25 Revolution.

The former corrupt minister, who is one of the first senior officials to fall after the demonstrations, is currently imprisoned awaiting the outcome of a money laundering case, underwent  questioning by state security prosecution ordered by top Attorney General Abdel Magid Mahmoud.

According to sources al-Adly is facing charges of murdering demonstrators, inciting against them and causing general lawlessness. Close to 400 protesters were killed and a further 5000 injured during the nation-wide pro-democracy protests which led to the ouster of former dictator Mubarak on February 11, 2011. The Attorney General also filed charges against al-Adly and a number of other ministers earlier this month after freezing their assets and banning them from leaving the country.

Sources reveal that three other former ministers are expected to be summoned for questioning regarding the alleged attacks on demonstrators.

Al-Adly is accused of ordering live bullets to be used against protesters on 28 January, then ordered a complete police withdrawal from the streets, and allowing prisoners to escape in order to intimidate ordinary citizens. It is expected that he will to appear before the Cairo Criminal Court on March 5 for the first time to face further charges including money laundering and profiting illegally from a public office.
Al-Adly is the first of Mubarak’s regime to face trial.