CAIRO (AP) — Egypt’s ex-spy chief and vice president is testifying in Hosni Mubarak’s trial, the first in a string of members of the ousted president’s inner circle to appear in court.

Prosecutors have called Omar Suleiman, 74, who served as Egypt’s intelligence chief for nearly two decades, and others to shed light on Mubarak’s alleged role in the death of protesters.

Egypt’s military ruler Field Marshal Mohammed Hussein Tantawi failed to appear in court Sunday as expected. The judge summoned him to appear later this month.

It is unprecedented for a court in Egypt to summon such high-level figures — particularly authorities from the highly secretive military and intelligence services. The court has ordered a total media blackout.