Critics of the military’s handling of the transition to democracy say the trial’s pace reflects a wider lack of justice for those killed in the uprising. Egyptian courts have so far not punished any police officers for the protester deaths.

Others have criticized the prosecution’s handling of the case, saying it has failed to present strong enough evidence to support a murder charge.

Mubarak’s defense team argues that he is still president, and thus can only be tried for treason or in a special court.