Ousted Egyptian president Hosni Mubark has been transferred from Maadi Military Hospital to the Tora Prison, South of Cairo, amid tight security measures, state news agency MENA reported Thursday morning.

His transfer had been held up by protests staged by hundreds of his supporters late on Wednesday.

Some protesters allegedly tried to storm the military hospital, where he was detained, but security forces halted the attempt.

Another protester unsuccessfully attempted to set himself ablaze in protest at the decision.

MENA said the ex-president's sons – Alaa and Gamal who are currently detained in the same prison – received him and tried to calm him as he appeared quite angry. 

Since his detention in April 2011, the ousted president has complained of intermittent health problems.

Following his conviction in June 2012 for his complicity in the murder of protesters during the January uprising, he has been moved back and forth between Tora and Maadi Military Hospital.

On Saturday, Egyptian Prosecutor-General Talaat Abdullah requested Mubarak's transfer, health permitting, back to Tora Prison Hospital.

On Tuesday, Mubarak was assessed by a medical committee to see if the requested transfer was viable. A spokesman for Egypt's Public Prosecution confirmed that Mubarak's health condition does not require him to stay at the military hospital in Maadi.

Mubarak continues to face charges of complicity in the murder of unarmed anti-regime protesters during the 18-day uprising, as well as other corruption charges.

Last week, the prosecutor-general announced that Mubarak would be detained for an additional 15 days pending investigation into fresh charges related to the illegal use of state funds.

In June 2012, Mubarak received a life sentence for failing to prevent the killing of protesters. In January 2013, however, he was granted a retrial due to procedural irregularities in the initial trial.  The new trial is set to start on 11 May.