Hosni Mubarak allies cleared of corruption charges

An Egyptian court has acquitted the two sons of former President Hosni Mubarak, and his last prime minister, Ahmed Shafiq, of charges of embezzlement.

Mr Shafiq, who has been living in the United Arab Emirates since losing the presidential election to Mohammed Morsi in 2012, was tried in absentia.

Gamal and Alaa Mubarak have faced a series of trials since their father's fall from power.

All three men are still set to be tried on other corruption charges.

Ten other defendants were also cleared in Thursday's verdicts in Cairo.

The case examined whether Mr Shafiq had enabled the Mubarak sons - both of whom were prominent businessmen - to buy land belonging to the Egyptian pilots' association at a cheaper price than the market rate.

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