The public prosecutor of Egypt today referred Mubarak and his two sons Alaa and Gamal, along with a close confidant, to face trial in a criminal court.

Mubarak, who is under custody, was questioned by investigators over the past few weeks over his alleged role in the shooting of protesters and charges of corruption.

Mubarak will also face charges for alleged abuse of power and wasting public funds, the prosecutor said in a statement.

The prosecutor also referred Mubarak's two sons and a close confidant for a trial in a criminal court, Al Jazeera said.

The fourth defendant is Hussein Salem, a businessman, blamed for a controversial deal to supply Israel with gas at lower than usual prices.

Mubarak was thrown out of power in February this year after a mass uprising against his 30-year rule swept through Egypt.

His family is under investigation over allegations of corruption and his wife Suzanne Thabet was also questioned by the Illicit Gains Authority.