Egypt's minister of justice, Mahmoud Merei, has proposed holding Habib El-Adly's trial in the Cairo Conference Hall to accommodate the expected huge turnout of journalists covering the proceedings.

Merei submitted his request for the change of venue to Sayed Abdel Aziz Omar, chairman of the cassation court.

El-Adly, the former interior minister, is charged with illegal profiting and damaging the welfare of the country.

If found guilty, El-Adly faces a maximum of seven years in prison and seizure of his assets. His trial is scheduled for Saturday 5 March.