Egyptians are to hear the verdict in the trial of former president Hosni Mubarak Saturday, as he faces charges of corruption and involvement in the deaths of hundreds of anti-government protesters during last year's uprising that forced him from power.

The top prosecutor in the case has demanded the death penalty for murder for Mr. Mubarak, who has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Mr. Mubarak's co-defendants include his two sons, Egypt's former interior minister, and senior police officers.

The former president's trial began in August last year. His court appearances were striking, as he was photographed lying down on a stretcher inside a defendant's cage with iron bars. Photos of his court appearances show the 84-year-old former president lying on a gurney inside an iron-barred defendant's cage.

News about Mr. Mubarak's trial has been overshadowed by Egypt's presidential election process. After a first round of voting in May, Egyptians are to return to the polls June 16 and 17 to choose between the two top vote-getters: Islamist Mohammed Morsi and old-guard ally Ahmed Shafiq. Runoff results are expected to be announced June 21.