Hosni Mubarak defense attorney Farid al-Deeb told CNN Arabic that he had not heard any news of granting amnesty for Mubarak based on his health condition.
Deeb’s statement came as a response to widespread press reports suggesting that an amnesty might soon be issued for Mubarak and a number of senior officials from his regime, on account of age and health-related issues.
Deeb said he was visiting the ousted president privately in Tora prison, and was unaware of any reports of amnesty offers.
Egyptian media had speculated Sunday on the possibility that the former president might be released. Mubarak, who is serving a life sentence for involvement in killing demonstrators during the 25 January revolution, might fall within an amnesty decree that includes prisoners with certain health conditions.
According to medical reports, Mubarak, now 85, is suffering from atrial fibrillation, shortness of breath and carotid artery occlusion.
Reports stated that a memo was distributed to all Egyptian prisons to make a list of prisoners convicted for different crimes who were over the age of 60 and suffering from chronic diseases or aging-associated diseases. Such prisoners would be eligible for release after a decision from a medical committee.
The report also stated that Mubarak’s two sons, Gamal and Alaa, and the former secretary of the dissolved National Democratic Party, Ahmed Ezz, would not be eligible because they are too young.
