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 Cairo. There has been speculation as to whether the ailing Mr. Mubarak would attend the hearing, but officials said Wednesday he was traveling to the capital.

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 ordering the killing of anti-government protesters during the revolution that deposed him. Nearly 900 people were killed during the uprising.

Mr. Mubarak 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.