Mubarak diagnosed with stomach cancer

Egypt's former president Hosni Mubarak, due to face trial on 3rd August for ordering the killing of protesters, has been diagnosed with stomach cancer. According to Mubarak's lawyer Farid El-Deeb, the former president has “stomach cancer and the tumours are growing”.

The former Egyptian leader is in custody in a hospital in the Red Sea resort of Sharm El-Sheikh. Mubarak was initially hospitalised after suffering from heart problems during official questioning. Following a further inquiry Mubarak has been charged with ordering the deaths of protesters during Egypt's uprising.

Last month, Egyptian officials said Mubarak's health was too fragile to move him to prison while he awaited trial. The ousted leader and his two sons, Alaa and Gamal, have been charged with "premeditated murder" of demonstrators. If found guilty, Mubarak could face the death penalty.

News of Mubarak's cancer comes days after Spain's National Court set a record bail figure of £24 million following the detention of one of Mubarak's closest associates, Hussein Salem.

Salem appeared in court twice on Friday 17th June - once in connection with a warrant issued from Egypt, and then on suspicion of money laundering in Spain. The Spanish authorities also froze more than €32.5 million in cash, properties worth €10 million euros and five luxury cars.

Sources: BBC News, Reuters, The Daily Telegraph

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