Suzanne Mubarak: seen as a powerful backer of son Gamal's claims to succeed his father as president Sunday, May 15, 2011
Ill Mubarak wife 'is recovering'
Suzanne Mubarak: seen as a powerful backer of son Gamal's claims to succeed his father as president The wife of ousted Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak has suffered a suspected heart attack after being detained as part of a corruption probe.
The 70-year-old also had high blood pressure and would be observed for 24 hours in intensive care, the director of Sharm el-Sheikh hospital said.
The Mubaraks are facing allegations of "illegal acquisition of wealth".
Mr Mubarak, who stepped down in February, also had a suspected heart attack when first questioned in April.
The former president, who held power for 30 years but stepped down in February after weeks of protests, is currently receiving treatment in Sharm el-Sheikh hospital while under arrest.
Mr Mubarak has been detained by Egypt's Illicit Gains Authority, on charges he abused his position to illegally acquire wealth.
He is also accused of involvement in the killings of anti-regime protesters.
The 83-year-old has been held under arrest in the hospital in the Red Sea resort since suffering heart problems. His detention was extended by 15 days early on Friday morning.
On Friday Mohammed Fathallah, the head of the hospital, said Mrs Mubarak had suffered a "suspected heart attack and a sharp increase in blood pressure" after she was told she would be detained.
Mrs Mubarak had kept an almost constant vigil by her husband's side since he was admitted to hospital a month ago, says the BBC's Jonathan Head, in Cairo.
Suzanne MubarakBorn 28 February 1941Studied politics and sociology at the American University of CairoFirst Lady of Egypt from 1981 until 2011Seen as driving force behind plans for her son Gamal to succeed father as presidentInterrogated about a luxury villa she owns in Cairo, as well as $3m bank accountMs Mubarak is half-Welsh, her mother Lily having grown up in PontypriddShe is also famous as the patron of children's TV show Alam Simsim, Egypt's version of Sesame Street
Her detention marks a dramatic fall for a woman once seen as the most powerful influence on Egypt's former ruler, and a further blow to Mr Mubarak, whose health is frail, our correspondent says.
While the initial period of her detention is 15 days, it could be extended, as it has been for her husband and their two sons since they were taken into custody, he adds.
Earlier this week, Mrs Mubarak was questioned about a bank account containing more than $3m (£1.9m) and a luxury house she owns.
Reformers in Egypt believe the Mubarak family accumulated a fortune worth tens of billions of dollars while in power.
Hosni Mubarak has denied this, and little hard evidence has yet been made public. However their bank accounts in Cairo and in Switzerland have been frozen.
Many Egyptians also believe the former first lady was instrumental in pushing for her eldest son, Gamal, to succeed his father - one of the grievances that mobilised opposition protesters, our correspondent says.
The military council which has been in power since Mr Mubarak stepped down has vowed to bring to justice all those accused of corruption.
The former president, his wife, their two sons and their wives have been banned from travel and had their assets frozen by general prosecutor Abdel Magid Mahmud.
More than 20 ministers and businessmen linked to Mr Mubarak's regime have been detained since his departure from office.
Last week, former Interior Minister Habib al-Adly was sentenced to 12 years in jail on charges of money-laundering and profiteering.
Adly also faces separate charges of ordering troops to fire on demonstrators. He could face the death penalty if convicted.
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Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/int/news/-/news/world-africa-13398644
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