The Daily Star Editorial

The start of Hosni Mubarak’s trial Wednesday represented a watermark in Arab politics. A formerly untouchable autocrat, brought down by his own people, began to be brought to account on charges that could see him executed.

It was a situation that was unthinkable even a few months ago, and one which brought with it deep significance to other leaders across the Middle East.

Mubarak’s trial represents a very clear message to other dictators that the consequence of their actions catching up with them is no longer a remote possibility. If the ruling casualties of the Arab Spring hadn’t already set alarm bells ringing in governments across the region, the nitty gritty legal process started Wednesday should remove any misunderstanding: You can no longer act with impunity; you will be brought to book.

As was to be somewhat expected, the trial’s first session was not entirely free from tinges of unruliness. The one-time strongman of the Arab world’s most populous nation was wheeled into court, accompanied by two sons, a former interior minister and several other erstwhile senior officials. He denied charges of murder and graft.

The world will be watching how the trial proceeds. This is a chance for Egypt’s caretaker authorities to show that they are serious in proving that the country’s modus operandi has forever changed, that impunity has ended and that justice is no longer the sole preserve of the powerless.

In a way, the progress of the trial is more significant that the fact that Mubarak is the main defendant. Putting the fallen president in the dock is one thing, upholding the highest standards of legality while he remains in it is quite another.

A supposedly independent judiciary has been put in place for this and it must be prepared for the long haul. To stutter now, after all the hardship that was suffered during Mubarak’s 30 years of absolute power and the blood that was spilled in the 18 days it took to overthrow him, would be to betray those who fought for a better future.
It is a massive responsibility; if the world is to genuinely view Egypt in a new light, there cannot be even the faintest hint of partisanship in the courtroom.

The same human rights groups who called for Mubarak to step down are now championing his fully-deserved right for a fair trial. Judicial figures owe it to the people who got the president in the courtroom to ensure impartial treatment during his say.

There are going to be security issues raised by the trial; pro- and anti-Mubarak protests are likely to clash and put strain on authorities in Cairo. But this is the price of democracy and freedom of expression, repeatedly crushed under Mubarak’s long-cast shadow.
The historical trial of Mubarak could finally and comprehensively make the new Egypt. It is to be hoped, for everyone’s sake, that the judiciary is up to the task.