EGYPT: Former interior minister to face prosecution on charges of repression, Al Arabiya reports

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Former Egyptian Interior Minister Habib Adly will face investigation by military prosecutors for his alleged role in violence against peaceful demonstrators, Al Arabiya television said Tuesday.

The news network report quickly followed a vow by beleaguered Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak to probe and punish corruption and excesses committed against the public, a major catalyst for the unrest that has plagued Egypt for the last eight days.

In a nationwide address late Tuesday, Mubarak vowed to stay in office until the next presidential election, saying it was his ‘first responsibility’ to correct the social ills besetting Egyptians. He said he had ordered his government to ‘immediately carry out every measure to pursue those who are corrupt and those who have been responsible for what has happened,’ alluding to the clashes and looting that broke out after police attempted to crack down on the demonstrations.

It wasn’t clear from the president’s speech whether he blamed political opponents or police for the violence that has left dozens, if not hundreds, dead.

-- Carol J. Williams