Egypt must pursue justice

Opinion: August 8, 2011 at 12:00a.m.

Los Angeles Times: Hosni Mubarak, the longtime president of Egypt and personification of corruption in that country, went on trial last wee in a televised proceeding that promises rich drama. What it may not promise is a fair trial, a goal of little interest to some Egyptians but vital to Egypt’s claim to be a civilized state. The military authorities who now rule Egypt pending formation of a civilian government should make every effort to ensure that Mubarak is fairly tried on charges of corruption and of killing civilians during the insurrection that ousted him.

The corruption charges allege mind-boggling self-dealing, suggesting that the former president hid a fortune of at least $470 million in international bank accounts. But there are questions about whether evidence exists to convict him.

Much more serious is the charge of murdering some 800 protesters. It is perfectly appropriate, desirable in fact, that Mubarak be tried for that offense.

It’s in Egypt’s interest that a verdict in Mubarak’s trial, particularly if it is accompanied by a death sentence.

A central principle of the state envisioned by many of those who rose up against Mubarak is due process of law. That should apply even in the case of a hated dictator.