Cairo, Aug 15: The historic trial of Egypt's fallen president Hosni Mubarak was today adjourned till September 5 after he returned to court, wheeled on a stretcher and caged, to answer charges for ordering the killing of over 800 people, while his followers and opponents scuffled on the streets.In another dramatic day at the trial that has gripped the Arab world, the court ruled that the proceedings will no longer be telecast live.
Judge Ahmed Refaat also decided to merge Mubarak's trial will now be merged with that of ex-interior minister Habib al-Adli, a step welcomed by lawyers for the families of protesters killed in the uprising that ousted Mubarak, who ruled Egypt with an iron hand for 30 years.
Mubarak, 83, wearing a navy blue sports sweater, appeared in a caged defendant's box and answered "present" when trial judge Refaat called his name. He was earlier flown in to the court in a military helicopter from a Cairo hospital.
He faces death penalty if found guilty of ordering the killing of over 800 pro-democracy protesters.
He is also facing corruption charges along with his sons Alaa and Gamal, both of whom were also present in the case in prison uniform.
As the toppled leader made his second appearance in court, scuffles broke out outside the court house between the former president's supporters and antagonists.
"Hosni Mubarak is not Saddam" and "He is Egyptian until death" read the placards as a number of his supporters gathered outside the court guarded by hundreds of riot policemen. He was also seen exchanging words with his sons during the proceedings.

Lastupdate on : Mon, 15 Aug 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Mon, 15 Aug 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Tue, 16 Aug 2011 00:00:00 IST