Venue change for Mubarak trial

CAIRO (AP):

Hosni Mubarak's trial on charges he ordered the killing of protesters during Egypt's uprising will be held at a police academy on Cairo's outskirts instead of a convention centre in the heart of the capital, the head of Cairo's appeals court said yesterday.

The change appears to be linked to concerns over security during the ousted leader's trial, which is scheduled to begin Wednesday and is sure to draw a large audience. The 83-year-old ex-president is to stand trial alongside his security chief and six other senior security officials facing the same charges stemming from the crackdown that killed hundreds but failed to stop the 18-day uprising that forced Mubarak from power on February 11.

Sons to appear in court

Mubarak's two sons are also expected to appear in court on corruption charges. A business associate will be tried in absentia.

Keeping order during the trial is a top concern. Protests have escalated recently as Egyptians demand faster changes and the prosecution of Mubarak and former regime officials from the military leaders who have taken temporary control of the country.