Hosni Mubarak sentenced to life imprisonment

A criminal court in Cairo on Saturday sentenced Hosni Mubarak, the former Egyptian president, to life in prison for his role in the killing of protesters last year during the Arab Spring uprising that resulted in his being kicked out of power.

Habib al Adly, the former interior minister, was also given a life term by the court.

However, corruption charges against Mubarak's sons, Alaa and Gamal, were dropped and the former president was also acquitted in one of the corruption cases.

Six former police officers were also acquitted.

Hundreds of protesters and supporters of Mubarak – who ruled over Egypt with an iron hand for 30 years – were held back by thousands of riot police who had cordoned off the building to prevent clashes.

But despite the strong presence of security-men, clashes broke out between rival groups.