Defense asks ElBaradei to testify in Mubarak's trial

CAIRO — A lawyer for Egypt's former interior minister asked the court Saturday to have Nobel laureate and pro-reform leader Mohamed ElBaradei testify as a witness in his client's defense.

Mohammed el-Gendi, an attorney for Habib el-Adly, said ElBaradei could testify that security forces from the Interior Ministry protected him and ensured he arrived home safely during the most violent day of the uprising that ousted President Hosni Mubarak.

ElBaradei is an outspoken critic of the Mubarak regime and Egypt's current military rulers.

El-Adly is charged along with Mubarak and four police commanders of complicity in the killing of protesters during the 18-day revolt last January and February. They could face the death penalty if convicted. Mubarak and his two sons are facing separate charges of corruption in the same case.

El-Gendi, who has five days to present his arguments, was addressing the court on the one-year anniversary of Egypt's Day of Rage, in which hundreds of protesters were killed and wounded in clashes with police.

El-Adly's defense team has until Wednesday to present its arguments to the court. Mubarak's lawyer wrapped up his defense earlier.