Egyptian Ex-President Mubarak Gives First Comments Since His 2011 Detention

Former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak sits inside a cage during a court hearing earlier this year.

Former Egyptian strongman Hosni Mubarak has made his first remarks to the media since he was detained two years ago on charges of complicity in the deaths of nearly 900 protesters in 2011.

In comments published on May 12, Mubarak said he was "distressed" by the situation in Egypt and the plight of the poor.

He added that he always "took care" of the poor and "refused to take any measures against them."

He also said he was confident that future generations will judge him fairly.

Mubarak, 85, said it is too early to assess current Egyptian President Muhammad Morsi.

Mubarak appeared in court on May 11 in a retrial on the charges against him.

An earlier conviction and death sentence were overturned on procedural grounds.

Based on reporting by AP, AFP, and dpa