Mubarak Charged With Killing Protesters

Egypt has ordered Hosni Mubarak to stand trial for the “pre-meditated killing” of protesters, among other charges—and he could face the death penalty. His two sons and a close business associate also face various charges for their alleged abuse of power to amass great wealth, the AP reports. Protesters had planned to hold a major march Friday calling for a public trial, among other reforms.

“Every time the youth threaten to go to Tahrir Square again with a huge number of protesters, I think they make some concessions,” one political scientist tells Reuters. The decision puts to bed speculation that Egypt’s military rulers would spare the 83-year-old the indignity of a trial. Analysts have warned that trying Mubarak will make other Arab leaders more reluctant to step down peacefully. Mubarak is currently in custody in a Red Sea resort hospital, and his sons are in prison. (More Hosni Mubarak stories.)