Deposed former president of Egypt Hosni Mubarak has told investigators questioning him over corruption charges that he never gave an order to shoot or to beat protesters who were demanded his ouster, the Egyptian newspaper Al-Masry Al-Youm has reported, says Israel Radio.

Mubarak said under questioning that he had instructed the army to intervene in violent clashes in order to safeguard and protect the Egyptian people. Mubarak added that if anyone says that he gave the order to shoot at demonstrators, then that person is a liar.

Open gallery view Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak announcing he will step down at the next elections, in a televised speech to the nation, February 1, 2011. Credit: AP

Between January 25 and February 11, millions of Egyptians filled the streets of cities across the country, protesting the 30-year iron-fisted rule of Mubarak. After 18 days, Mubarak finally succumbed to popular pressure and abandoned the reins of power, stepping down from office.

Since that time, Mubarak and his family have been staying at one of their vacation homes located in the Sinai resort town of Sharm El-Sheikh. He was banned from traveling and his assets have been frozen. Many of his senior aides have already either been questioned or detained pending investigations.

Mubarak also told investigators that he had intended to resign his position well before he did. He said that he was convinced not to quit when he had intended to, only four days after protests begun, because he had been advised that protesters only wanted the resignation of his cabinet, and that without him, Egypt would sink into chaos.

There were contradictory reports coming from Al-Masry Al-Youm regarding Mubarak's health, Israel Radio reported. Since Mubarak's arrest, his psychological condition has started to worsen. But doctors claim that he does not have cancer, or any other life-threatening disease, and that he physical health is good.

Mubarak was taken to an intensive care unit on Tuesday after suffering a heart attack during questioning over corruption charges, AFP reported on Tuesday.

Dozens of demonstrators picketed the hospital where Mubarak was taken, denouncing the president and carrying a sign reading "Here is the butcher." They scuffled with supporters of Mubarak amid a massive security presence.

Two security officials said Mubarak arrived under heavy police protection to the main hospital and, according to two doctors in the hospital, he stepped out of his armored Mercedes unaided and was taken to the presidential suite in the pyramid-shaped building.

