Strict security measures at the Sharm El-Sheikh International Hospital – where toppled president Hosni Mubarak resides in police custody – have been loosened, informed sources told Ahram Online.

The sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the past days witnessed no protests near the hospital, in contrast to when the ex-commander-in-chief was first admitted.

Consequently, security in the coastal resort is not as tight as it used to be upon his arrival.

Mubarak, who is accused of abusing his unfettered political power to accumulate wealth illegally and also of ordering the killing of peaceful protesters during the January 25 Revolution, is to stand trial on 3 August.

His sons Alaa and Gamal – both indicted on similar charges – are to be tried on the same date.

A rumour that Mubarak was deported was triggered on more than one occasion over the past weeks, but the sources confirmed the 83-year-old has been staying put since his admission.

Mubarak was not incarcerated in Tora Prison, like many other figures of the deposed regime, as his health is allegedly deteriorating.

He is understood to be suffering from heart problems and is struggling with cancer, among other serious health difficulties.