Mubarak denies ‘shedding the blood’ of 900 Egyptian protesters

Egypt’s deposed president Hosni Mubarak denied he ordered protesters killed in the 2011 uprising that deposed him, his first lengthy statement to a court as his retrial draws to an end.

Mubarak, aged 86, described his 29-year rule as one that stabilised the country, a theme employed during his last days in power as the popular revolt against him grew and he resisted calls to step down.

“Hosni Mubarak speaking to you today would never order the killing of protesters or shedding the blood of Egyptians,” the former autocrat said in a speech where he appeared at times sympathetic but also defiant.