Mubarak calls charges 'baseless'

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CAIRO, Feb. 24 (UPI) -- As his trial ended, former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak said he was confident of a favorable verdict and maintained his innocence.

Mubarak's statement was made in a letter published Thursday in the newspaper Tahrir, Bikyamasr.com reported. Mubarak's seven-month trial ended Wednesday with closing argument from his lawyers.

In the letter, Mubarak called charges that he was responsible for the shooting of non-violent protesters last year "baseless." An estimated 1,000 people were killed after large demonstrations began in late January 2011.

The court is expected to deliver its verdict in June.

While Mubarak, 83, could face the death penalty if he is convicted, he is almost certain to be spared execution. Egyptian law specifies 15 years imprisonment as the maximum penalty for anyone over the age of 80.

Gamal and Alaa Mubarak, the former president's sons, are on trial with him, charged with financial corruption.