Students protest across Egypt against Mubarak verdict

Students at universities across Egypt protested Sunday against a decision made in Cairo to drop murder charges against ex-president Hosni Mubarak. A court ruled on Saturday the former leader would not be tried for the deaths of hundreds killed during the 2011 revolution that toppled him from power.

Rallies were held at Ain Shams, Al-Azhar, Cairo, Alexandria and Zagazig universities, Students Against the Coup (SAC) said in a statement, adding that several groups had been involved in organising the demonstrations.

SAC spokesperson Ahmed Nasif told Daily News Egypt they had worked together with 6 April Youth Movement and welcomed further cooperation under the banner: “Down with the military regime, retribution, and achieving the goals of the revolution.” Divided activist groups have not worked together in Egypt in recent times due to differences of opinion over the course of the revolution, the actions of the Muslim Brotherhood, and support for last year's popularly backed military coup.

The largest protest was reportedly at the University of Alexandria, where “thousands” took part to voice their anger at charges being dropped against Mubarak. Hundreds gathered at Cairo University, where students blocked entry gates to stop police confronting them, and clashes broke out at Zagazig University according to local reports.

Students chanted “the people want the downfall of the regime” – a slogan heard throughout the 2011 revolution – and burned photos of former leader Mubarak.

At least 12 people were arrested, activists reported, with some said to have been injured during skirmishes with police.

Student protests on Sunday came after a rally in Tahrir Square yesterday evening, when around 2,000 people gathered to oppose the acquittal of Mubarak earlier in the day. Security forces responded to the protest with water cannon, teargas and live fire – killing at least two and injuring a number of others.

Entry to Tahrir Square on Sunday was blocked by security forces.

On Saturday morning a court in Cairo dismissed murder charges against Hosni Mubarak over the killing of protesters during the 2011 revolution that removed him from power. It also cleared the former leader of corruption in relation to gas exports made to Israel under his 30-year rule.

Hours after the verdict was handed down Mubarak responded by saying he “did nothing wrong at all”.

Mubarak, his ex-interior minister Habib al-Adly and six former top security officials had all been given life sentences which were overturned on a technicality. 

Mubarak, 86, will not be free despite Saturday’s court rulings. He will continue to serve a three year sentence following his conviction in May on corruption charges.

He is being held under house arrest in a Cairo army hospital, due to medical reasons, although his lawyer said on Sunday the former president could be set for an early release as he has served two thirds of his sentence.

Ex-interior minister al-Adly still faces further trials on 12 and 29 December. If he is found not guilty in those cases, then he will be released.

Saturday's verdicts are still subject to appeal.