Mubarak Defence challenges death penalty call

The ousted Egyptian president has faced charges of corruption, squandering public funds, and of ordering the killing of more than 800 protesters during the popular uprising which led to his ouster in February last year.

Mubarak's sons Alaa and Gamal, ex-interior minister habib el-Adly, and four of his top aides are also being tried on charges of the killing of peaceful protesters during the revolution.

Prosecutors said Farid el-Deeb accused thugs powered by foreign countries, of instigating violence during the uprising. They also said Mubarak's defense team is using the same tactics of the SCAF as they're blaming the violations on foreign hands.

Families of the martyrs and Mubarak's opponents stood outside the courthouse carrying signs and chanting slogans calling for death penalty for Mubarak and Habib el-Adly, his once-feared interior minister.

A mother of one of those who were killed said she has lost her trust in the Egyptian Judiciary. She said justice will not be served unless the SCAF steps down.

The ousted president's trial will conclude on 16 February and the judge is then expected to set a date for the final verdict.

Analysts say, even though many Egyptians are welcoming calls for death penalty for Mubarak, especially during this heightened tension in Egypt as the anniversary of the revolution approaches, the ousted president is more likely to receive a sentence in prison only.