Officials say an Egyptian court has ordered the release of ex-President Hosni Mubarak, but it's not immediately clear whether the prosecutors will appeal the order.

Supporters of the ousted Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak chant slogans and carry his portrait
Supporters of the ousted Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak chant slogans and carry his portrait (Carsten Koall/Getty Images)
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The Wednesday decision comes in a hearing on charges against Mubarak of accepting gifts from a state-owned newspaper, the last case that has kept the ailing leader in detention.

It raises the possibility that Mubarak will walk free, a move that is likely to fuel the unrest roiling the country after the autocratic leader's successor was removed in a military coup last month. The officials spoke anonymously because they are not authorized to speak to the media.

Mubarak, 85, has been held since April 2011. He's now on trial for the killing of protesters during the 2011 uprising against him and other charges.

Ministers weigh EU aid, policy on Egypt

BRUSSELS (AP) — Foreign ministers of the European Union are meeting in Brussels today to come up with a joint response to the crisis in Egypt.

EU officials say ministers are expected to weigh proposals for halting aid programs and suspending arms shipments.

Germany's foreign minister says the 28-nation bloc wants to send "a strong signal to Egypt," but is calling for "realistic expectations."


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