Field Marshal Mohamed Hussein Tantawi testified today in a trial that could decide the fate of the country's ousted ailing President Hosni Mubarak, but left without being cross-examined.
Egypt's military ruler Field Marshal Mohamed Hussein Tantawi testified today in a trial that could decide the fate of the country's ousted ailing President Hosni Mubarak, but left without being cross-examined.
Tantawi trooped to the courtroom under heavy military escort to come face-to-face with his former boss, lying on a gurney under the defendants' cage for the first time since his fall from power, Al Arabia news channel reported.
The head of the country's ruling military council arrived at the hearing earlier than usual and left after an hour-long deposition without allowing cross examination.
"The measures were unusual...the session started early and by the time lawyers arrived the testimony was over," lawyers representing the people killed in the revolution told reporters.
The testimony of Tantawi, who was defence minister for two decades, may prove to be decisive in the case against Mubarak, who has charged with complicity in the killings of protestors during the crackdown on the country's uprising.
Also, on trial with Mubarak and facing the same charges are his former Interior Minister Habib al-Adly and six former top security officials. The former president and his two sons also face corruption charges.
Tantawi followed the country's former Spy Chief and Vice-President Omar Suleiman in testifying in the case. The chief of staff of the Egyptian Army Sami Anan, the second highest-ranking figure in the military council is to testify tomorrow.
As the field marshal testified, a large group of people -- mostly next of kin of those who died in the protest --rallied outside shouting "Tantawi tell the truth, Is Mubarak a killer or not".
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