Egypt’s reviled former interior minister pleaded not guilty Saturday to corruption and money-laundering charges as the first trial for one of Hosni Mubarak’s inner circle opened at a Cairo court.
Outside, angry protesters called for greater charges against Habib al-Adly, a man who many believe was Mubarak’s right-hand man in squashing Egypt’s uprising with violence.
“Death to the murderer,” the protesters chanted.
When word of al-Adly’s plea filtered out, the protesters clashed with authorities and special security was deployed to allow al-Adly to exit the building.
Further court proceedings were postponed until April 2.
During the demonstrations that began on January 25 and led to Mubarak’s ouster 18 days later, protesters had called for al-Adly’s removal after security forces fired tear gas and rubber bullets and beat people with clubs and batons.
Last month, Egypt froze al-Adly’s bank accounts and placed a travel ban on him. He was arrested after Mubarak’s fall.