Former Egyptian president near death

Reports from Cairo late last night said former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak was critically ill and may be close to death.

According to media reports, the 84-year-old Mubarak suffered a stroke and was moved from prison and placed on life support at an army hospital.

The former Egyptian President was removed from office during an uprising last year and sentenced to life in prison earlier this month for his role in the death of numerous protesters.

There have been frequent reports since then that his health has deteriorated, many of which have proved wrong.

The news came as tens of thousands of people protested in Cairo's Tahrir Square yesterday against a move by the ruling military council to assume new powers.

The protest was called by the Muslim Brotherhood, which is also claiming victory for its candidate Mohammed Mursi in last weekend's presidential elections.

Official results are expected to be announced tomorrow.