Worries over rule of law in Egypt as military leader fails to take stand

Field Marshal Mohammed Hussein Tantawi’s absence was a major disappointment for Egyptians seeking justice for victims of Mubarak’s harsh rule. It could also demonstrate that the Egyptian establishment does not want to reveal embarrassing secrets.

The judge immediately requested that Mr Tantawi return to court on September 24. Egyptian state TV did not give a reason for Mr Tantawi’s absence in court.

But a defence lawyer suggested Mr Tantawi was too busy dealing with the fallout from the storming of the Israeli embassy in Cairo on Friday by protesters.

The trial is seen as a test between Egypt’s traditional power structure and the impatience for clear breaks with the past seven months after Mubarak was toppled and power shifted to a military council. Many Egyptians believe the ruling military is reluctant to put one of their own on trial – Mubarak was previously commander of the air force and a pilot.

There is also speculation that Mr Tantawi and other high-ranking officials want to keep a distance from the proceedings, fearing they could be implicated in the crackdowns that left nearly 900 dead.

It is unprecedented for a court in Egypt to summon such high-level figures – particularly authorities from the highly secretive military and intelligence services.

Assem Qandil, a lawyer for one of the defendants tried along with Mubarak, said that Mr Tantawi notified the court in a written statement that he could not show up because of the tensions after the embassy assault.

The trial is scheduled to resume tomorrow.

However, the sessions are closed to the media and public. All reporting on the proceedings is banned.