Field Marshal testifies in Mubarak trial

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CAIRO, Sept. 24 (UPI) -- Field Marshal Hussein Tantawi testified Saturday at the Cairo trial of former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, officials said.

Tantawi's testimony was in closed session and was short, compared to other key witnesses who were questioned for hours in court, Al-Masry Al-Youm reported. Tantawi was originally set to testify on Sept. 11, but his appearance was postponed after an attack on the Israeli Embassy in Giza.

Outside the courthouse, family members of those who died in the country's recent revolution chanted "Field Marshal, say the truth, did Mubarak order the shootings or not?"

Mubarak, 83, is charged with corruption and murder in the deaths of pro-democracy protesters during 18 days of demonstrations that led to his ouster, Ahram Online reported.

Mubarak's sons, Alaa and Gamal, also are on trial on corruption charges, Al-Masry Al-Youm reported. Ex-Interior Minister Habib al-Adly is charged in the killings of protesters and previously received a 12-year prison sentence for corruption. Mubarak confidant and business tycoon Hussein Salem is being tried in absentia.

After Tantawi testified, lawyers went outside and announced the man favored the defendants, which prompted celebration by Mubarak supporters.

After Saturday's session, the trial was adjourned to Oct. 30.