Prosecutor accuses Mubarak of tyranny and corruption

THE chief prosecutor delivered the harshest assessment of Hosni Mubarak’s rule ever heard in an Egyptian courtroom, accusing the ousted leader of tyranny and corruption and saying he devoted the last 10 years of his three decades in power to ensuring his son would succeed him.

The speech by Mustafa Suleiman seemed aimed at energising the landmark trial of Mubarak, his two sons and eight other defendants after five months of sessions that were often bogged down by lengthy delays, muddled testimonies and complicated procedural issues.

The procedures have frustrated many Egyptians, who have hoped for swift and clear justice against Mubarak after his February 11 ousting following 18 days of unprecedented protests against his rule.