Trial of Egypt's Mubarak postponed until December

The trial of Egypt's ousted leader Hosni Mubarak on charges of complicity in the killing of more than 800 protesters this year has been adjourned until December 28.

Mubarak's trial began nearly three months ago, and Sunday's lengthy adjournment was certain to frustrate leaders of the anti-Mubarak protest movement who want to see the former leader and his co-defendants -- his two sons, security chief and six top police officers -- brought swiftly to justice.

Mubarak stepped down in February after a popular uprising. Reformers are frustrated by what they see as the slow progress by Egypt's military rulers to liberalise the system.

The adjournment was meant to allow time for another court to rule on a request by lawyers for the victims to remove the three-judge panel in Mubarak's trial. That ruling is expected on November 3.

Mubarak, his two sons, former security chief and the six police officers sat in the defendants' cage for Sunday's 10-minute hearing. If convicted, Mubarak could face the death penalty. Mubarak and his sons also face corruption charges. An 18-day uprising forced Mubarak to step down February 11.

» Lees meer