Egyptian TV screens trials of Mubarak officials

In response to the demands of the Tahrir Square protesters, Egyptian TV has started live broadcasts of the trials of officials belonging to former President Hosni Mubarak’s ousted regime. The first to be screened were the indictments of former Information Minister Anas El-Feky and the former head of the Television and Radio Union Osama El Sheikh. Both are accused of squandering public funds.

The cameras focused on El-Feky standing between his lawyers and listening to the judges; all of the details were broadcast in order to satisfy the public that the trials are actually taking place. One of the demands of the Tahrir Square protesters was that open trials should be held so that the public can also be assured that the procedures are fair and justice is seen to be done.

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The Supreme Judicial Council approved a request from the interim ruling cabinet for members of the public to be allowed to enter the court and the proceedings to be screened live via monitors placed outside the courtroom.