Ex-Egypt ruler Hosni Mubarak cleared of corruption and murder charges

Former Egyptian president, Hosni Mubarak has been cleared of charges of corruption and killing of hundreds of Egyptian protesters in a revolution that toppled him in 2011.

Mubarak ruled Egypt for 29 years. The 86-year-old Mubarak was convicted in 2012 of issuing orders to kill peaceful protesters during the country's 2011 uprising and was sentenced to life in prison. He appealed and was granted a new trial last year.

Also acquitted were Mubarak's former Interior Minister Habib el-Adly and six of el-Adly's aides, who'd been accused of being connected to the deaths of 239 protesters as security forces cracked down on them in 2011. Mubarak's two sons also were acquitted Saturday of corruption.

Mubarak still has a three-year sentence for a previous conviction for embezzlement, but it not clear when he'll be freed.

 

Prosecutors have the option of appealing the acquittal decision.