Washington’s man in the Middle East, Hosni Mubarak, is wheeled in to court

Once powerful Hosni Mubarak

In an unprecedented move by the Military Junta that holds the reins of power in Egypt, Hosni Mubarak, Washington’s strong man who controlled this Arab nation, advanced the US agenda in the Middle East, and in turn received millions of dollars in “aid”, has appeared in court in Cairo today.

Egyptians outside court followed the proceedings

Too ill to walk, the expresident was wheeled into the Cairo Police Academy lying on a stretcher, and was kept in an especial security cage together with his sons, codefendants in the case, as the charges of corruption and conspiracy to murder unarmed protesters were read to him by prosecutor Mustafa Soliman. If convicted Mubarak could face the death penalty.

Once spoiled Gamal and Alaa Mubarak

Gamal and Alaa Mubarak are charged with using their influence and their father’s to illegally obtain five villas worth 5 million, in Sharm el-Sheik.

“I completely deny all of these accusations” said a frail Mubarak into the microphone that was handed to him, in a weak voice in response to the charges. Many Egyptians thought that they would never see this day in which the dictator would be held responsible for his crimes after he was ousted by an 18-day popular uprising on February 11^th, where hundreds of protesters were killed.

Protesters outside court in Cairo today

In fact, this is the first time in the history of 4,000 years of Egypt that a leader is brought to justice by the popular will. “The trial of the century”, as one Egyptian described the proceedings to the press, is due to continue on August 15^th.