This morning, I received a set of photos of Gamal Mubarak's palace in Sharm-el-Sheikh from my good friend and Arabic specialist, Dr. Elie Mangoubi. I hesitated, but then decided the world had to see how corruption and money brought this man to where he is today. The palace is only one of several properties owned by the Mubaraks. To think that some have suggested that a public apology and the renouncement to wealth will appease an impoverished nation that has suffered the excesses of its 'first family' is beyond imagination. There was strong denial by the ruling military council that 'an apology' might serve as freedom for the Mubaraks.
How many apologies is this palace worth?
We all appreciate and love beauty. But when it is tied to corruption, embezzlement of funds, shady transactions, bribes, and enrichment on the backs of 80 million Egyptians, this beauty suddenly takes on very dark shades.
What is worrisome is that Gamal's mother, Suzanne, was released from custody after paying a mere $4million which include state disputed assets, money and property. Does this mean she is exempt from trial? Is she free and clear? Does this become a precedent in the judgement against the rest of the family? Did the fainting and chest pains suffered by Suzanne Mubarak prevent her from being transferred to a women's prison after she was treated? According to officials of the former regime, she was released due to ' lack of justification for detention after she turned over all the money she amassed illicitly.'
Gamal and his brother Alaa are currently being held at the Tora prison.
From the Daily News Egypt
Salem, a friend of Mubarak’s, was referred to a criminal court for offering Mubarak gifts as the president, namely a palace and four villas in Sharm El-Sheikh worth LE 40 million. In return, Mubarak paid symbolic amounts of money to facilitate Salem’s ownership of millions of meters of state-owned land in special spots in South Sinai.
Mubarak’s sons, Gamal and Alaa Mubarak, were charged with accepting four villas in Sharm El-Sheikh worth LE 14 million.
How many Egyptians could be fed with LE40 million?
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