Mubarak reportedly in 'dangerous' health

CAIRO -- Hosni Mubarak's health entered a "dangerous" phase yesterday, and doctors had to administer oxygen five times to help the deposed Egyptian leader breathe, according to security officials at his prison.

The health crisis came days after Mubarak was sentenced to life in prison for failing to stop the killing of protesters in the uprising that unseated him last year.

Officials at Torah prison, south of Cairo, said Mubarak, 84, was suffering from shock and high blood pressure as well as breathing problems. Specialists were called in, and a transfer to a military hospital was being considered, said the officials. It was not immediately possible to verify the gravity of Mubarak's condition independently.

Mubarak did not want to go to Torah after he was sentenced Saturday, pleading with his escort to take him back to the military hospital east of Cairo where he had stayed in a suite since his trial began in August. He was held in a hospital in the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh from the time of his arrest in April last year until August.

Mubarak and his sons, Gamal and Alaa, were acquitted of corruption charges. The sons are also being held in Torah, awaiting a separate trial on charges of insider trading.

Prison authorities were allowing Gamal to be by his father's side, the officials said. Alaa also asked, but wasn't granted permission immediately, the officials said. -- AP