Hosni Mubarak in hospital
Egyptian security, health officials say former Egyptian president admitted to Sharm el-Sheikh hospital. Hospital director says Mubarak 'more or less' stable as court hearing looms
Former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak was taken to hospital on Tuesday after suffering a "heart crisis" when he was being questioned during an investigation, Egyptian television reported. He is reportedly in the intensive care unit.
Hospital director Mohammed Fathallah discussed Mubarak's health status on Egyptian television saying the former president was "more or less" stable.
Mubarak had been hospitalized under the pretext of being sick in order not to appear before investigators, the website of the state-owned publisher of Al-Ahram newspaper said.
Two security officials said Mubarak arrived under heavy police protection to the main hospital and, according to two doctors in the hospital, he stepped out of his armored Mercedes unaided and was taken to the presidential suite in the pyramid-shaped building.
Egypt's prosecutor general had issued a summons for the 82-year-old president Monday to be interrogated over corruption allegations from his three decade reign and violence against protesters during the 18-day uprising that forced him out of office.
Mubarak has denied allegations of wrongdoing.
Dozens of demonstrators picketed the hospital in the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, denouncing the president and carrying a sign reading "Here is the butcher." They scuffled with supporters of Mubarak amid a massive security presence.
"The former president Hosni Mubarak entered ... Sharm el-Sheikh hospital," according to Al-Ahram.
It said the president may not have to travel to Cairo to attend the investigation because of his admittance to hospital.
A hospital official told AFP they cannot comment on the former president's condition but added that "the health minister will issue a statement" shortly.
The former president was forced to give up power on February 11 after an 18-day popular uprising against his rule.
He has kept a low profile since, living in Sharm el-Sheikh. Near the end of his rule, he had been suffering from a number of health problems and had undergone gallbladder surgery.
According to reports in al-Ahram, Mubarak had been expected to be questioned by investigators for the first time on Tuesday in connection with corruption allegations and violence against protesters during the uprising under heavy security.
It remains unclear when the testimony will take place and what exactly he is accused of.
Meanwhile, prosecutors from Egypt's South Sinai region began questioning Mubarak's two sons, Alaa and Gamal, on Tuesday.
Roee Nahmias contributed to this report
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