Uncertainty over Mubarak's status

Former Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak, ousted in the Arab Spring demonstrations of 2011, was reported clinically dead after a stroke late Tuesday reports state news agency MENA.

However, despite the report that he is clinically dead after his heart stopped beating following his stroke, other sources claim that Mubarak is still alive but in critical condition.

A strongman who reigned in Egypt for thirty years, Mubarak, 84, was seen as untouchable, enduring when the fortunes of other dictators and presidents in the Arab world fluctuated.

Born in the village of Menufiyah on the Nile Delta in 1928, Mubarak held massive influence in the air force where he rose through the ranks and was worshipped as a war hero for fighting repeatedly against Israel.

Mubarak made peace with Israel in a move that was bitterly opposed by many of his domestic rivals. However, the peace was kept through his decades as president.

In February 11, 2011 Mubarak announced his resignation after an 18-day revolt by the people of Egypt, centred on Tahrir Square.

In the post-ouster trial, the prosecution called for the death penalty for Mubarak, who had already been sentenced to life in prison.