By Ayman Mohyeldin, NBC News
CAIRO -- The trial of former Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak, his two sons, the former minister of interior and six senior security officials resumed in a Cairo court on Wednesday after nearly a three-month recess.

Egyptian TV showed 83-year-old Mubarak, covered by a green blanket and lying on a hospital gurney as he was brought from a helicopter and taken to an ambulance for the short ride to the courthouse.

The men are all facing murder charges for ordering security forces to kill demonstrators while trying to suppress an 18-day popular uprising against the 30-year rule of Mubarak that began on Jan 25, 2011.

The trial was in recess for close to three months because a separate petition had been filed to replace the presiding judge. That petition was not granted and the same judge will continue to preside over the trial.

On Wednesday, defense attorneys asked the judge to call senior members of the intelligence services and other branches of Egypt's Armed Forces who were serving during the revolution and since then to testify.

The defense is arguing the security forces were acting within the law to contain the uprising but were never given specific orders to "kill" demonstrators.

Nile TV via AFP - Getty Images

A still image taken from Egypt's Nile TV shows Hosni Mubarak being wheeled on a hospital stretcher into court for the resumption of his trial on Wednesday.

So far, the most critical testimony of the trial has come from Field Marshall Mohammed Hussien Tantawi, the Commander of the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces, the ruling military council. His testimony has been sealed for security reasons. The defense has also requested the judge hear the testimony of SCAF second-in-command Field Marshall Sami Annan, Chief-of-Staff of the Armed Forces.

The defense believes the two men and other senior officials will testify that they were never given orders by the former president to kill protestors.

The trial has been adjourned until Monday, Jan. 2.

Journalist are allowed to attend the trial under very strict rules as to what they can publish. Egyptian State TV, which was originally allowed to broadcast the trial, has since been barred from broadcasting the trial live.

Revolutionary groups have had a long-standing demand that Mubarak and his aides stand trial for the killing of protestors. The delay in the start of trial and it's lack of transparency has led many to criticize the SCAF that it was never serious about bringing the former president to justice.

In Egypt, where just six months ago the press was exulting in newfound freedoms after the ouster of autocratic President Hosni Mubarak, caution is now the watchword.

“Right after Mubarak fell, you had this window that was incredible — everything goes,” said Shibley Telhami, professor at the University of Maryland, College Park, and nonresident senior fellow at the Brookings Institution's Saban Center for Middle East Policy. “Journalists discovered that they were real journalists. The most interesting stuff I read was that first month of the revolution. It appears less free now than right after the revolution.”

What has happened to Egypt’s media, Telhami and other experts suggest, reflects the situation of the country as a whole, which remains under the rule of a transitional military government, called the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces, that has twice delayed planned parliamentary elections. While the press and electronic media are afflicted by ham-handed restrictions handed down by the military council, they are also affected by the pall of uncertainty that hangs over the country, they say.

There are some concrete reasons for journalists are walking on eggs.

Nasser Nasser / AP

Egyptian journalist Rasha Azab of the independent weekly al-Fagr receives support from colleagues as she arrives for questioning by investigators at the military prosecutor's office in Cairo on June 19. Azab and her editor Adel Hammouda were summoned for questioning over an article detailing complaints of human rights abuses.

For one thing, the vast majority of Egypt’s press is employed by state-run or semi-state run publications, which means they depend on the government for their paychecks.  Telhami said that at least some of the current caution is a return to greater self-censorship.

“Official newspapers still handle the military carefully,” he said. “The military is trying to figure out how far to push and where and journalists are trying to find out how critical they can be.”

There is also the example of Maikel Nabil Sanad, the first blogger jailed after Mubarak’s fall who was later sentenced to three years in jail for violating a law that prohibits “insulting the People’s Assembly, the Shura Council or any State Authority, or the Army or the Courts,” and for “spreading false information.”

Among the writings that caused offense was a post in which he argued that “the army and the people never were as one.”

Now Sanad, who has been on a hunger strike since Aug. 23, is suffering a serious heart problem and has been transferred to the prison infirmary, according to the media Watchdog Group Reporters without Borders.

“The situation of bloggers now is reminiscent of the repression that prevailed before Hosni Mubarak’s overthrow in February,” said a statement from the organization. “Freeing the first prisoner of conscience since the revolution would be a powerful symbolic gesture, one that the entire international community would see as a sign of a commitment to openness.”

But there’s no sign the military is prepared to make symbolic gestures and break with firmly held tradition, at least not until a new government is in place.

“There’s no question the military is very sensitive about their image,” said Telhami. “Whenever there is a critique of the military in the press, they go on the defensive. … That has become an intimidating factor.”

Meanwhile, the government has set new limits on reporting testimony in the trial of Mubarak and his top officials, who are accused of ordering the use of lethal force against Egyptian protesters.

After initial hearings, where there was fighting between pro- and anti-Mubarak groups outside the courthouse, and shouting among lawyers within the chambers, the judge barred further broadcast of the proceedings. This move was initially met by suspicion among bloggers and broadcasters, though the trial remains open to journalists.

Also on Thursday the government froze the number of satellite TV station licenses pointing to what one official called an increasingly chaotic market. The communication minister said it would also take legal measures against satellite stations that incite sedition and violence, the Associated Press reported.

Since the uprising, there has been a proliferation of satellite stations and newspapers in Egypt, founded by government critics, Islamists, members of the old regime and other political figures.

Experts point out that while Egypt is in transition, there is a plan to move from military control to a new form of civilian government.  After the parliament is in place, its members will be responsible for drafting a constitution and laying the groundwork for presidential elections.

Steven A. Cook, senior fellow for Middle Eastern Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations, said that although the parliamentary elections scheduled for November were initially scheduled for June, it doesn’t mean the military is trying to cling to power. He said the delay is more likely to benefit newly formed parties that are trying to take on the established political players in Egypt.

He added that while the military council appears to be trying to govern, its main objective is preserving peace until elections can be held.

“The military’s prime directive is stability. They are worried about social cohesion,” said Cook. “The problem is that it undermines claims about setting the stage for a new more democratic and open Egypt.”

But none of the media policies should be seen as permanent, observers say.

“Until there is an election… there will be uncertainty about who makes decisions, and how far you can go and still keep your job,” said Telhami. “Then we’ll see how it evolves.”

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Dmitry Solovyov / NBC News

Mahmoud, a spice shop owner and local Mubarak expert in Sharm el Sheikh, discusses the state of the former leader's health with NBC's Martin Fletcher Tuesday.

By NBC News’ Martin Fletcher

SHARM EL SHEIKH, Egypt – It’s all over Sharm el Sheikh and it’s spreading through Egypt and the world: Hosni Mubarak is sick and may be dying.

But is it true?

The chief security guard at the roadblock that prevents anybody from approaching Mubarak’s villa says so. Nodding and looking around to make sure nobody hears him, he told us today that Mubarak is very, very sick.

The proverbial taxi driver, always a first source in a strange place, says emphatically: Mubarak is sick, doctors from Germany came to see him, and he fainted three times Monday.

Mahmoud in the spice shop said the same and added that Mubarak won’t leave Egypt and is refusing all attempts to give him medicine.

At our hotel next door to Mubarak’s compound it’s the same story; everyone nods, confirms he’s sick, and quotes somebody else. The rumor mill is in high gear and everybody’s source is the same: Someone at the roadblock.

Arab newspapers from London to the Persian Gulf give the story credence by quoting "security sources," "sources close to the president," "senior government officials" with the same message: Hosni Mubarak is very sick. One unnamed source went as far as to say "he could die within days."

Dmitry Solovyov / NBC News

NBC's Martin Fletcher discusses the rumors swirling about Mubarak's health with Mahmoud, a spice shop owner in Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt on Tuesday.

So why this rapid spread of the same message? Two possibilities have risen to the top. The first is that it’s true: the former president is so depressed that it led to fainting fits, a coma and now he has to be helped in and out of bed.

The second is the classic Middle East Conspiracy theory; in this case, so it goes, Mubarak isn’t being protected by the military in his home, they’re keeping him prisoner there, and somehow making sure that he gets sicker daily. Could they be preparing the way for his early demise?

After all, he’s said to have cancer, makes annual visits to medical centers in Germany and last year had his gall bladder extracted there.

KHALED DESOUKI / AFP - Getty Images

Tourists walk on the beach in the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt - former Mubarak's new home.

From all the rumor and wild speculation there is one incontrovertible fact: Hosni Mubarak hasn’t been seen in public since his TV address last Thursday. And if he’s well, why doesn’t someone from his entourage say so to knock down the speculation?

His health matters because there’s another debate under way in Egypt: between those who want to make him stand trial for crimes against Egypt and its people, and those who want to leave him alone, treat him with respect and allow the old warrior to live out his remaining years in peace.

Mubarak’s early death would disappoint them all.

WIESBADEN, Germany – Could a German resort town become Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak’s new home in exile?

Media reports are speculating that Germany, because of his previous medical visits to the country, could be Mubarak’s next stop.

The rumors were triggered by a recent report in the New York Times, which claimed that secret talks were being held between the U.S. government and Egyptian military officials over a possible German exile for Mubarak.

For years, statesmen and politicians from Arab countries, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and even Yemen have been treated in cities such as Munich, Berlin or the spa town of Baden-Baden.

The list includes Mubarak, who underwent a gall bladder operation at the University Clinic in Heidelberg in March of 2010 and had back surgery at a hospital in Munich in 2004. There were also rumors that Mubarak was being treated for cancer here, but the Heidelberg clinic has refused to comment on his medical status, citing Germany's strict data protection laws.

NBC’S Andrea Mitchell reports that intelligence experts and other foreign policy experts advising the White House believe arrangements have already been made for Mubarak to go to Baden-Baden, which he has visited in the past, when he agrees  to leave Egypt.

According to Der Spiegel, the plans for his exile are so far along that there have already been talks with a private luxury clinic, the Max-Grundig-Klinik nestled at the edge of Germany's picturesque Black Forest near the southwestern town of Baden-Baden.

 However, the press spokeswoman at the facility refused to comment on the issue.

Political debate
While European leaders are still grappling with how to deal with Mubarak, it should comes as no surprise that politicians across the German political spectrum have been quick to comment on whether  Germany should host the ousted dictator.

On Sunday, Elke Hoff, security policy spokesperson for the liberal Free Democrats, said she would welcome Mubarak, if it helps to stabilize the situation in Egypt. But she added that Mubarak's possible stay should not be considered “political asylum.”

Elmar Brok, a European Parliament member for Germany's conservative CDU party, told the Frankfurter Rundschau daily that, "The German government should discretely signal to Mubarak that he can come to Germany if he wants to.”

Cem Özdemir, a leader in Germany's Greens party cautioned, “Germany cannot be a luxury sanctuary for deposed despots.”

He added, "Care must be taken to ensure that Mubarak doesn't use a stay at a German hospital to duck his responsibilities toward the people of Egypt."

But officially, the German government has remained mum.
 
"There have been no formal or informal requests to grant Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak exile as part of an extended medical leave in Germany,” said Steffen Seibert, German Chancellor Angela Merkel's spokesman.  "Therefore, there is no reason for the federal government to deal with this question even hypothetically," he said.

If it brings a peaceful solution, he’s welcome
Yet, even Egyptians living in Germany, who have been protesting against Mubarak and his regime, say that they would not necessarily oppose the idea of Mubarak finding refuge here.

"If Mubarak does not continue his political activities from afar, and if this helps to bring a peaceful solution for our country, then why not," Sarawat Ramadan, a leader of Germany's Egyptian community told NBC News on the phone.

"Most Egyptians I know would favor any type of solution, if it leads to stability and freedom in Egypt," said Ramadan, who recently demonstrated against Mubarak along with 1,500 people at a Berlin rally.

Others remain opposed to the idea.

"Mubarak stands for a system that is based on oppression and corruption," Thomas Krämer-Engemann, a commentator wrote in the regional Wiesbadener Kurier newspaper.  "He [Mubarak] does not need us and our sympathy, and we also do not need him.”

Updated at 3:46 p.m. ET: So far, the White House has continued to stop just short of calling on Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak to step aside now, rather than hold on until elections in September.

President Barack Obama held to that line today, saying, as he and his aides have all week, that "there needs to be a  transition process that begins now" but that "this process will be worked out by Egyptians."

Obama made the comments during a news conference with Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, which just ended.

Obama did, however, edge closer than he had previously to saying he would prefer that Mubarak step aside now. He said it was important that Mubarak had made the "psychological break" this week of deciding not to seek re-election, which opens the way for him to consider further steps to "make that transition effective and lasting and legitimate."

"He is proud, but he is also a patriot," Obama said. "He needs to consult with those around him in his government," listen to the Egyptian people "and make a judgment about a pathway forward that is orderly but that is meaningful and serious."

"His term is up relatively shortly," the president noted. "The key question he should ask himself is how does he leave a meaningful legacy behind." 

Obama called Egypt "a great and ancient civilization" that is "going through a time of tumult." But he reassured the Egyptian people that "they will continue to have a strong friend in the United States of America."

He also noted widespread reports that Western journalists and aid workers were being targeted for attack and detention in Egypt, reiterating the position Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton laid out yesterday, saying: "Attacks on reporters are unacceptable. Attacks on human rights workers are unacceptable."

At the daily press briefing today, press secretary Robert Gibbs repeated that Mubarak must seek negotiations "with a broad base of those not currently in the government ... toward an orderly transition." 

Update 1:49 p.m. ET: Reuters is quoting the White House as saying President Barack Obama spoke with Jordan's King Abdullah last night to discuss the situation in Egypt. Abdullah fired his Cabinet today as protesters began demonstrating in Amman, the capital. 

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White House press secretary Robert Gibbs says President Barack Obama's delivered a "frank" directive to Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak yesterday that he must begin the transition to a new government now. 

"The message that the president delivered clearly to President Mubarak was that the time for change had come," Gibbs said in the daily White House briefing. 

NBC News' diplomatic correspondent, Andrea Mitchell, says that's diplo-speak for "blunt and unmistakable" and means the United States is telling Mubarak he has to go, no questions asked.

Reuters is quoting an administration official as saying the White House believes Hosni Mubarak's inner circle is debating whether he needs to do more. Clashes between pro- and anti-Mubarak forces could convince the Egyptian military that it needs to pressure Mubarak to take extra steps, the official said.

Gibbs warned that the administration will consider the Egyptian government's actions in reviewing decisions about the $1.5 billion in aid the United States provides.

Gibbs said Obama's unofficial envoy, former Ambassador Frank Wisner, remains in Egypt but that he knows of no plans for further discussions with Mubarak today. 

Mubarak's handling of crisis, he said, will show world "exactly who he is."