Egypt's ex-president Hosni Mubarak will face trial next week in Cairo.

Questions over Mr. Mubarak's health had led to speculation the trial would be postponed or take place in the resort city of Sharm el Sheik, where he is being treated.

But state media quote Egypt's deputy justice minister as saying the trial will begin August 3, and be held at Cairo's convention center.

Mr. Mubarak is facing charges of corruption and ordering the killings of protesters. Nearly 900 people were killed during the 18-day revolution that deposed him in February.

Egyptian medical officials say Mr. Mubarak is weak and is refusing solid food. On Tuesday, the head of the hospital said that Mr. Mubarak has lost weight and is suffering “weakness and severe infirmity.”

Rumors about his health have been rife. Critics suspect they are designed to prevent the former leader from standing trial.

If convicted, Mr. Mubarak could be sentenced to death. Any delay in his trial would likely further incite tensions between the military council currently ruling Egypt and protesters frustrated with the pace of change.

Mass demonstrations are expected on Friday protesting what opponents say is slow reform and justice.