Jun 19, 2012

Reports: Mubarak declared 'clinically dead' after stroke

By Michael Winter, USA TODAY Updated 2m ago

Egypt's state-run news agency reports that doctors have declared former president Hosni Mubarak clinically dead after suffering a stroke in a prison hospital. Security sources and his lawyer say he is still alive, however.

Update at 5:53 p.m. ET: Reuters now cites security sources as saying Mubarak is not dead but is unconscious and on a respirator.

It's possible that Mubarak could be brain dead but being kept alive mechanically.

Update at 5:43 p.m. ET: Despite the reports that resuscitation efforts had failed, Mubarak's lawyer Farid El-Deeb told Al-Hayat television channel that he is still alive and that efforts to revive him are beginning to have some effect, Ahram Online reports.

The news outlet adds that "it is understood" that Mubarak has been suffering from cancer and heart problems.

Mubarak was sentenced to life in prison June 2 for the killing of pro-democracy demonstrators last year during the "Arab Spring" uprising.

Original post: Former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak has been declared clinically dead after suffering a stroke in a prison hospital, according to the state-run MENA news agency.

Reuters says a source at the military hospital where the 84-year-old Mubarak was moved has also confirmed the report.

"Former president Hosni Mubarak has clinically died following his arrival at Maadi military hospital on Tuesday evening," MENA said, quoting medical sources, according to Reuters. "Mubarak's heart stopped beating and was subjected to a defibrillator several times but did not respond."

Reports: Mubarak may be 'clinically dead' after stroke