Government reaffirms support for Ibrahim Halawa

The Government has reaffirmed its support for Irish citizen Ibrahim Halawa, whose mass trial in Egypt has been adjourned again.

Mr Halawa is being prosecuted alongside hundreds of co-defendants for allegedly participating in a political protest.

He was 17 at his arrest in 2013 and has been charged with serious offences, all of which he strongly denies. His lawyers believe that, if convicted, he may face the death penalty.

The latest delay in the case - which has been adjourned more than a dozen times - has been linked to heightened security concerns in Cairo, following planned protests in recent days.

Foreign Affairs Minister Charlie Flanagan said: “In light of today’s developments, we will be pursuing further contacts at the highest levels with Egypt to address Mr. Halawa’s continued detention and to again call for his immediate return to Ireland.

“I want to reaffirm the Government’s and my own personal commitment to secure Ibrahim Halawa’s return to Ireland as soon as possible and we will be continuing to examine and explore all possible options for action that can help to achieve that objective.

“Our Embassy has been monitoring Ibrahim’s health and welfare since his detentionand Ambassador Cole raised the issue with the Prison Governor on his last visit to the prison. I welcome today’s order by the Judges that Ibrahim receive a full examination and that this be reported back to the Court.

“Our Embassy in Cairo and our Consular team in Dublin will be continuing to offer all possible consular assistance to Ibrahim and his family.”