Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Mubarak family no longer immune?

The political elite's "hasaanah" (حصانة) has long been a feature of Egyptian politics.  Thus, the questioning of the former president and his sons and wife is an important development, particularly during a period when the military has been showing less tolerance for demonstrators and critics.  Among the trio being questioned, it is the son 'Alaa who may be the most vulnerable.  He is notorious in Egypt for inserting himself as a silent and unwanted partner in a number of businesses.  It remains to be seen how far the public prosecutor will go with the investigation, but if the immunity of Egyptian autocrats and their families is eroded then this really would be revolutionary. 

Suzanne Mubarak reportedly being questioned.

[Added: Wapo's Frederick Kunkle from Cairo]

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