Clashes as Mubarak trial set to reopen

CAIRO: Dozens of supporters and opponents of Hosni Mubarak clashed near the court where the ousted Egyptian leader's trial is to resume later on Monday, an AFP correspondent reported.

Riot police intervened to break up the rival groups around a police academy in the outer suburbs of Cairo where the court is trying the former autocratic president.

"We have not abandoned you," the pro-Mubarak protesters chanted, while their rivals shouted, "Punishment, punishment, they killed our children with bullets."

Mubarak's trial resumes on Monday with witnesses giving testimony to try to determine who gave the orders for the killing of hundreds of protesters in the revolt that ousted the veteran leader.

The trial is to be held off-camera unlike the first two sessions which saw the 83-year-old Mubarak appearing in court bound to a stretcher and caged, in gripping images that were broadcast live on television.

More than 850 people were killed in the 18 days that led to Mubarak's ouster after three decades in power and thousands more were wounded, according to official figures. (AFP)