Egypt court endorses freezing of Mubarak's assets

A criminal court in Egypt endorsed on Tuesday freezing the assets of former President Hosni Mubarak and his family, judicial officials said.

The officials said the court has rejected an appeal by Mubarak and his family against an order by the country's top prosecutor to seize their funds.

Mubarak, who had ruled Egypt for nearly 30 years, stepped down Feb. 11 at the end of 18 days of massive protests demanding his ouster. He, his wife, two sons and their wives have also been banned from travel abroad.

The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media, according to AP.

There are no official figures on the funds but many believe they run into the billions, with much overseas.

The officials said the presiding judge Makram Awad rejected a defense request for more time to prepare the defense.