Protests erupt in Egypt over Hosni Mubarak verdicts

The crowds are furious at the acquittal of four interior ministry officials and two local security chiefs, cleared of complicity in protesters' killings despite holding positions as key security officials during Mubarak's reign.

Rallies against the verdict were also held in Alexandria, Suez and Mansoura, as a verdict that was meant to bring closure for Egypt is in danger of reopening old wounds.

Some protesters at Tahrir Square, the focal point of last year's uprising, have been reported as saying that they are determined to begin a sit-in a new in protest at the outcome of the trial.

The BBC has described the mood in Tahrir Square as extremely gloomy with some protesters joining in chants of "illegitimate" in reference to the verdicts delivered earlier while others are quietly reflecting on this critical moment in Egypt's democratic transition.

The BBC also reports that the protestors have been joined by prominent public figures and football fans known as Ultras, who have been implicated in a number of political confrontations.

The slogan from last year's uprising: "Down with the military rule" is being chanted in the square and many have vociferously condemned Saturday's verdict.

"The Mubarak verdict mocks us. He and [former Interior Minister Habib] Adly got a sentence and their aides got nothing," protester Sharif Ali was reported as saying by the BBC. "When they return to court on appeal, they will be freed too."

The first round of recent presidential elections has left Egyptians with a choice between an Islamist candidate and an ex-prime minister from the Mubarak era.

The 84-year-old former president is the first former leader to be tried in person since the start of the Arab Spring in early 2011.

Announcing the verdicts, Judge Ahmed Refaat said Mubarak and former Interior Minister Habib al-Adly had failed to stop security forces using deadly force against unarmed demonstrators. They were both given life terms.

He said the Mubarak era had been "30 years of darkness" and praised what he called "the sons of the nation who rose up peacefully for freedom and justice".

Mubarak and his two sons, Alaa and Gamal, were acquitted on separate charges of corruption. But his sons will remain in detention as they are to be charged with stock-market manipulation.

The verdict was followed by scuffles outside the court, as while the sentencing was initially welcomed by celebrations, anger soon overtook joy when news of the acquittals spread.

State television reported that as he was being transferred to jail, Mubarak at first refused to leave the helicopter and then suffered from severe health problems. He has reportedly been admitted to the prison hospital.

Mubarak, who ruled the country from 1981 to 2011, had faced a possible death sentence over the killing of about 850 protesters.