26 Feb 2020 | 11:08 AM UTC
Egypt: State funeral scheduled for former President Hosni Mubarak east of Cairo February 26 /update 1
State funeral to be held for former President Hosni Mubarak in an eastern suburb of Cairo on February 26; transportation disruptions expected
Event
A state funeral for former President Hosni Mubarak is being held in an eastern suburb of Cairo on Wednesday, February 26, at the Mosheer Tantawy mosque.
Media reports indicate that there were Mubarak supporters gathered around the mosque in mourning Wednesday morning (local time). Such activity remains possible throughout Wednesday.
A three-day mourning period was declared on Tuesday, February 25. Large crowds, a heightened police presence, and localized disruptions are possible in Cairo and other urban centers during the mourning period.
Context
Hosni Mubarak led Egypt for 30 years before being forced to step down following mass nationwide protests in 2011. Following his removal from office he was arrested for several years awaiting trial on various counts, though was acquitted and released in 2017.
Advice
Individuals in Egypt, particularly in Cairo, are advised to keep abreast of the situation, respect local customs, refrain from discussing political topics in public or on social media, anticipate heightened security measures and transportation disruptions near associated events, and avoid public gatherings as a precaution.
