Mubarak 'ordered use of live ammo'

Ousted Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak, his security chief and six top police officers were personally responsible for the killing of more than 800 protesters during last year’s uprising, his trial heard today.

Mubarak and his seven co-defendants are facing charges of complicity in the killings and could face the death penalty if convicted.

Chief prosecutor Mustafa Suleiman said they clearly authorised the use of live ammunition and a shoot-to-kill policy against peaceful protesters.

Mr Suleiman said the prosecution had to launch its own probe, interviewing hundreds of witnesses, doctors and police officers to build its case, after security forces ignored their requests for help in the inquiry.