Cairo: State prosecutor has summoned former Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak for questioning over alleged corruption and killings of protesters.
The announcement came shortly after Mubarak made his first statement since he was ousted two months ago, denying accusations of corruption.
The former leader said he had the right to defend his reputation and denied having any assets in foreign countries.
Mubarak’s sons Gamal and Alaa have been summoned for questioning as well.
The prosecutor-general said Mr Mubarak’s statement, broadcast on al-Arabiya TV, would not affect the inquiry.
On Friday, Cairo’s Tahrir Square once again filled with demonstrators calling for Mubarak and his family to be tried for corruption.
At least one person was killed and dozens were injured when troops moved in to clear the square. The injured suffered gunshot wounds but the army denied using live rounds.
Protesters and anti-corruption campaigners have been pressing for an investigation into the Mubarak family’s assets, put at anywhere from $1bn to $70bn.
Media says protesters have become impatient with the slow pace of change pursued by the army council which replaced Mubarak after he stood down on 11 February.
He fled to his villa in the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh with his family.
Mubarak, his sons and their wives have been banned from leaving the country and their assets have been frozen.
Mubarak made an audio recording of his speech on Saturday in the wake of the latest protests. It was broadcast by al-Arabiya TV on Sunday.
“I have been in great pain because of the unjust campaigns and untrue allegations targeting myself and my family,” he said.
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