Mubarak on trial

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A supporter of ousted Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak holds his picture outside the police academy where Mubarak's trial is held on the outskirt of Cairo.

Even in a country with the most ancient of histories, today's event was a seminal moment for Egypt. The first day of trial for 83-year old Hosni Mubarak who ruled the country for three decades. He faces charges of corruption and complicity in the killing of protestors during the revolt that rocked the country earlier this year. The image of Mubarak today was striking. The reportedly ailing man was wheeled on a hospital bed into a cell that more closely resembled a cage. The court house was surrounded by Egyptians who never thought this day would come. Mubarak appeared defiant but answered to the charges, "I deny all these accusations completely." How significant is this trial for Egypt, its people, the entire region and the "Arab Spring?" For many years, Mubarak was a heroic statesman to his people and the Arab world. Is there a generation divide over how this trial is viewed? Why is it important that this trial occur? How could it play out? Could an unpopular verdict inspire more unrest?

Even in a country with the most ancient of histories, today's event was a seminal moment for Egypt. The first day of trial for 83-year old Hosni Mubarak who ruled the country for three decades. He faces charges of corruption and complicity in the killing of protestors during the revolt that rocked the country earlier this year. The image of Mubarak today was striking. The reportedly ailing man was wheeled on a hospital bed into a cell that more closely resembled a cage. The court house was surrounded by Egyptians who never thought this day would come. Mubarak appeared defiant but answered to the charges, "I deny all these accusations completely." How significant is this trial for Egypt, its people, the entire region and the "Arab Spring?" For many years, Mubarak was a heroic statesman to his people and the Arab world. Is there a generation divide over how this trial is viewed? Why is it important that this trial occur? How could it play out? Could an unpopular verdict inspire more unrest?

Guest:

Sherine Tadros, Al Jazeeera correspondent in Egypt