Mubarak has cracked ribs

EGYPT: Ousted President Hosni Mubarak has a build-up of fluid in his lungs and cracked ribs, Egypt's official news agency MENA reported after he was transferred from prison to military hospital for treatment.

The state prosecutor ordered Mubarak's transfer on Thursday after his health deteriorated, a prosecution source had said, more than a week after he was briefly hospitalised after slipping in a prison bathroom and hurting his head.

MENA reported late on Thursday that x-rays showed that Mubarak fractured several ribs in the fall and also had a build-up of fluid in the membranes lining his lungs.

The agency cited a medical report prepared at the prosecutor's request.

Mubarak, who is serving a life sentence for his role in the killing of protesters during the uprising that led to his resignation in February 2011, will return to jail after treatment, the prosecution source said.

A court sentenced the veteran strongman to life in June for failing to prevent the killings of protesters during the 18-day revolt that ended his three-decade rule. Some 850 people died in the uprising.

Since his fall from power, Mubarak's health has appeared to worsen significantly, and he has had repeated health scares.

AFP