Former Leader Mubarak’s Trial starts Wednesday, authorities say

Cairo - MAP- Egypt will begin the trial of former President Hosni Mubarak Wednesday, nearly six months after he was toppled in an 18-day revolution calling for democratic reforms, the Egyptian authorities confirmed today.

Mr. Mubarak is charged with premeditated murder by unleashing police on demonstrators during the uprising, during which at least 840 were killed. He faces a possible death sentence if convicted. He is also charged with corruption, abuse of power and squandering public wealth.

The former president is not the only one going on trial Wednesday. Joining him are his two sons, Alaa and Gamal, his former interior minister , six police commanders, and a prominent businessman who is being tried in absent.

Egypt's judiciary has changed the trial location from the city's Convention Center to the Cairo Police Academy due to security issues. It is unclear if the ailing Mubarak will attend Wednesday's hearing.