Ousted Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak's health has seriously deteriorated and he may even be in a coma, according to reports in the Arab media.
Rumours are rife about the medical condition of the 82-year-old former leader, who is said to have been treated for cancer before.
Egyptian newspaper Masry al-Youm has reported that Mubarak went into a coma on Saturday.
Sameh Shoukry, Egypt's ambassador to the U.S., added some substance to the rumours yesterday in a TV interview but refused to be drawn on the details
He has been holed up in the Red Sea resort of Sharm al-Sheikh since he gave his last speech as Egypt's president on Thursday last week.
Locals claim his guards have told them that he is currently bedbound and unable to walk unaided.
'Mubarak is very sick – they say he has cancer,' a teacher called Ahmed told the Telegraph.
Sameh Shoukry, Egypt's ambassador to the U.S., added some substance to the rumours yesterday but refused to be drawn on the details.
He told NBC's Today show that he 'might have received some communication at a personal level indicating that (Mubarak) is possibly in somewhat of bad health'.
But he was quick to add: 'I really don't have sufficient information so I wouldn't like to speculate (on Mubarak's health).'
The coma reports were denied by pro-government newspaper Al-Gomhuria, but it admitted Mr Mubarak was 'in a severe psychological condition and is declining treatment, despite his illness'.
The former president had his gall bladder removed in March 2010 at a German clinic and since then doubts have increased over his health.
After losing power last week the Swiss government announced that his assets had been frozen. His family is understood to have built up a £25billion fortune during his 30 years in power.
'I can confirm that Switzerland has frozen possible assets of the former Egyptian president with immediate effect,' spokesman Lars Knuchel said.
He added: 'As a result of this measure any assets are frozen for three years.'
0 comments:
Post a Comment