An Egyptian court postponed the trial of former Interior Minister Habib al-Adly for 24 hours on Sunday. He is charged with profiteering and money laundering.
The court took the move in order to earn time to hear out al-Adly's defense lawyers.
Al-Adly, who is seen as the most aggressive of the ministers of Hosni Mubarak toppled regime, will also face trial on 24 April on charges of ordering the use of live ammunition against pro-democracy protesters during the 25 January revolution.
He is also accused of causing a security vacuum by withdrawing police during the uprising and releasing prisoners to induce chaos. He may face charges related to torturing and murdering members of the opposition.
Al-Adly was in office for 14 years, and many Egyptians see him as a symbol for corruption and repression.
Judical sources told Al-Masry Al-Youm that the minister's defense lawyers denied charges that he acquired state-owned land for a cheap price by taking advantage of his position. It is alleged that he resold the lot for LE4.512 million, making a huge profit.
The state prosecution representative demanded the severest punishment for al-Adly, asking that he be made to return the money he is accused of illicitly obtaining, and be subject to a fine equal to that amount.
