Cairo, Egypt -  Lawyer to ousted Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak has claimed that the former leader was the first to support the January 25th revolution, which ousted him. Fareed Al-Deeb said here Monday that Mubarak’s speeches during the revolution showed that he was supportive of the uprising and that his decision to step down on 11 February shows that he respected the will of his people. Most Egyptians believe Mubarak was forced to step down by the Army, which supported the revolution and is now in charge of the country's affairs pending elections before the end of the year. Most Egyptians also think the late and inefficient responses by Mubarak to the peaceful revolution played a major role in his fall.

But in statements to private Egyptian media, Al-Deeb said the former President was disappointed with the treatment he is receiving from the Egyptian people.

He pointed out that Mubarak, who is said to be in a coma, is shocked that Egyptians do not see anything positive during his 62 years of service to the country.

The lawyer also revealed that Mubarak risks a cancer relapse, and disclosed that Mubarak is paying the fees for his treatment from his own pension fund.

Al-Deeb also denied that Mubarak has any money hidden overseas, saying he owns around US$1.25 million in Egypt.

The lawyer's statements have earned him the wrath of most Egyptians, who have launched several Facebook groups against him.

Mubarak is currently under house arrest at a Sharm Al-Sheikh hospital in Sinai.

He is to face trial for the killing of revolution protesters and various financial corruption charges 3 August.

Pana 29/06/2011