"Egyptian politicians scrambled this week to guess the effect of a verdict in the trial of former President Hosni Mubarak, which is now set to be announced in early June, around the same time as the election of his successor.
After hearing arguments on the final day of the case, the presiding judge said this week that he would announce a verdict on June 2, 10 months after the trial’s opening first captivated the Arab world.
Any outcome will be a watershed in the history of the region.
Mr. Mubarak, along with his interior minister, is charged with directing the killing of as many as 800 civilian protesters during the 18 days of demonstrations last year that ended his decades in office. The former president and his two sons, Gamal and Alaa, are charged with receiving kickbacks — mansions near the Red Sea — from a friend in exchange for prime public land at discounted prices. If convicted of responsibility for the killings, Mr. Mubarak could face the death penalty.
But throughout the trial, the prosecution did not present any testimony or evidence, other than Mr. Mubarak’s general responsibility as president, that he specifically directed the police to shoot or kill demonstrators. Many lawyers and experts say he may, therefore, be acquitted of the most serious charges. Many other Egyptians wonder why the charges were so narrow in the first place, compared with the widely acknowledged corruption and police abuse that prevailed during Mr. Mubarak’s 30 years of essentially unaccountable leadership.
Retribution against the former president and his government allies was perhaps the most passionate demand of the revolt that ousted him one year ago. A conviction would probably set off widespread celebrations, while an acquittal could renew public anger and unrest in the streets. Either outcome may have a profound impact on the eve of a presidential election, including potentially elevating the demand for justice for the old government as a prominent issue in voters’ minds.
It is not clear whether the promised presidential election will take place before or after the verdict is announced.
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http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/25/world/middleeast/egypt-court-sets-mubarak-verdict-for-june.html?_r=1&nl=todaysheadlines&emc=tha22
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