Former Egyptian leader Mubarak gets travel ban and assets freeze

[News_Editor]

Former Egyptian leader Mubarak gets travel ban and assets freeze

2011-02-28 23:44:12 GMT+7 (ICT)

CAIRO, EGYPT (BNO NEWS) -- Egyptian prosecutors on Monday issued a travel ban against former long-time leader Hosni Mubarak and his family, the Egyptian Gazette reported.

In addition, prosecutors also froze the assets of the former President who step down eighteen days ago after weeks of anti-government protests by crowds calling for greater democracy and respect of human rights.

"A travel ban was issued against Mubarak, his wife Suzanne, his two sons Alaa and Gamal, and their wives and children. Their assets were also frozen," said Adel el-Saeed, a spokesman for Chief Prosecutor Abdel Meguid Mahmoud.

The fortune of the Mubarak family is estimated at around $70 billion. Sources close to the ousted president denied the sum. Last week, Mubarak submitted a routine statement detailing his assets to judicial authorities.

The freeze targets the assets in foreign countries of Mubarak and his family. The assets were confirmed frozen in the United States, France, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Canada, Australia and other countries.

On Sunday, the former president's son, Gamal Mubarak, attempted to leave Egypt on a private plane but security forces prevented him from doing so. Criminal charges are being brought by a Cairo criminal court against Mubarak's family.

Also on Monday, the formerly ruling National Democratic Party (NDP) announced the removal of Mubarak as chairman of the party in an effort to cut ties with the former regime. NPD senior and leaders and senior officials are currently either in jail pending trial on corruption charges or have fled the country.

Safwat El-Sherif, NDP’s former secretary-general and chairman of the Shura Council, is under house arrest. Last week, Egyptian authorities ordered the arrests of former Ministers of Interior Habib El-Adly, of Tourism Zuheir Garannah, and of Housing Ahmed El-Maghraby on corruption charges.

The army took control of Egypt after Mubarak stepped down and announced that it will run the country temporarily for six months or until elections are held. The military council also dissolved the parliament and suspended the constitution. A committee was appointed to propose constitutional amendments to address demands of the people.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2011-02-28