Clashes erupt after Egypt ex-interior minister’s trial deferred

Demonstrators throw stones at a police convoy carrying former Interior Minister Habib el-Adli outside a court in Cairo, Egypt, June 26, 2011. Clash erupted between hundreds of demonstrators and security forces outside a criminal court in Cairo after the trial of former Interior Minister Habib el-Adli was adjourned on Sunday. New Cairo Criminal Court decided to adjourn till July 25 the trial of el-Adli and six of his top security aides over the killing of protesters during the mass protests that ousted former President Hosni Mubarak. (Xinhua/Bettro Soleman)

Clash erupted between hundreds of demonstrators and security forces outside a criminal court in Cairo after the trial of former Interior Minister Habib el-Adli was adjourned on Sunday.

New Cairo Criminal Court decided to adjourn till July 25 the trial of el-Adli and six of his top security aides over the killing of protesters during the mass protests that ousted former President Hosni Mubarak.

Angry protesters, mainly relatives of people killed during the 18-day protests, threw stones at anti-riot police outside the courthouse after news reached them that the trial was postponed.

El-Adly, who was arrested on Feb. 17, was referred to trial with his assistants in March over charges of ordering the killing of unarmed protesters during the upheaval. He could face a death sentence if convicted.

He was already sentenced to 12 years in jail on May 5 over money laundering and profiteering, and was the first senior official of the former government to get a sentence over corruption.

El-Adly had led the Interior Ministry and the police forces for nearly 14 years under the rule of Mubarak, and was a reviled figure during the nationwide protests that ended Mubarak’s regime.

The 18-day massive protests witnessed bloody clashes between demonstrators and the security forces, which led to at least 800 people killed and more than 6,000 injured. El-Adly is the first member of the former regime to be held accountable for the death of demonstrators.

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