EU court unfreezes assets of former Egyptian president, family

By Ibrahim al-Khazen

ISTANBUL (AA) - The family of former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak announced receiving a large sum of money in unfrozen assets from EU countries after a court ruled to remove restrictions on the family’s assets.

The General Court of the EU canceled a decision Wednesday by the EU Council in 2011 to freeze the funds and assets of Mubarak and his family.

The court did not reveal details on the amount unfrozen.

Mubarak's son, Alaa, confirmed the ruling and indicated receiving a large sum of money but did not specify how much was received.

Alaa added that he and his lawyer are reviewing the possibility of asking for compensation from the EU Council for what he said were "the illegal measures imposed on his family in the past years."

In 2011, following the popular revolution against Mubarak's 30-year rule in power, the EU announced sanctions and froze Mubarak’s and his family’s assets in the 27-nation bloc.

*Writing by Ahmed Asmar