Amnesty protest as Halawa trial delayed for 19th time

Amnesty International Ireland yesterday revealed that the trial of Irish citizen Ibrahim Halawa, currently held in an Egyptian jail, has been adjourned for the 19th time.

Halawa, who faces a possible death penalty, has now spent three-and-a-half years in prison.

Colm O’Gorman, executive director of Amnesty International Ireland said: “Ibrahim’s innocence has been further vindicated by Egypt’s own legal system, which following a technical review of video material from the night of his arrest, found no evidence against him.

“It tallies with what Amnesty researchers on the ground at the time assert, that Ibrahim was in al-Fath mosque and could not have committed the violent crimes with which he has been charged.

“Amnesty International has also conducted a thorough, independent review of the prosecution evidence and concluded that Ibrahim was arrested solely for peacefully exercising his right to freedom of assembly and expression. This report validates that conclusion.

He added: “It is long past time that this young Irish citizen should be released and allowed to return home to Dublin.

“He has now spent almost three and a half years living in truly horrific conditions in different Egyptian prisons and has endured 19 trial delays.

“Ibrahim is a Prisoner of Conscience detained solely for peacefully exercising his right to freedom of expression and assembly. His continuing imprisonment represents an inexcusable violation of both international and Egyptian law.”