Egypt is set to begin the trial of former President Hosni Mubarak on Wednesday, nearly six months after he was toppled in an 18-day revolution calling for democratic reforms.

The proceedings are being held at a police academy on the outskirts of the capital, Cairo, but it is unclear if the ailing Mr. Mubarak will attend the hearing.

The 83-year-old has been living under house arrest at the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh with his family.

Mr. Mubarak is charged with premeditated murder by unleashing police on demonstrators during the uprising, during which at least 840 people were killed. He faces a possible death sentence if convicted. He is also charged with corruption, abuse of power and squandering public wealth.

The former president is not the only one going on trial Wednesday. Joining him are his two sons, Alaa and Gamal, his former interior minister , six police commanders, and a prominent businessman who is being tried in absentia.

Egypt's judiciary has changed the trial location from the city's Convention Center to the Cairo Police Academy due to security issues.