CAIRO (AP) — Hosni Mubarak’s lawyer has concluded his defense, arguing that the ousted leader should be acquitted of criminal charges because he is technically still the president of Egypt.
Mubarak, who stepped down nearly a year ago, is charged along with his security chief and four police commanders of complicity in the killing of protesters during an 18-day uprising in January and February. They could face the death penalty if convicted.
Farid el-Deeb said Sunday during the closure of arguments that spanned five court sessions that Mubarak did not formally resign and should enjoy immunity from prosecution.
El-Deeb received a round of applause from other defense lawyers when he finished his statements. Lawyers for the victims responded with chants of “Execution, execution.”
