The trial of former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, which resumed on 5 September in Cairo, has been halted due to fighting in court.

Dozens of supporters and opponents of Mubarak clashed near the police academy on the outskirts of Cairo where the trial is being held. Witnesses at the trial gave testimony to try to determine who gave the orders for the killing of hundreds of protesters during the uprising in February. Lawyers for plaintiffs also clashed, resulting in police stepping in to separate them.

The trial is no longer being televised as ruled by judge Ahmed Rifaat after Mubarak’s second appearance in court in August (MEED 16:8:11).

Mubarak could face the death penalty if found guilty of the deaths of protesters. Mubarak and his sons, Alaa and Gamal, also face corruption charges.