Ibrahim Halawa lawyers issue strong statement after fifteenth trial adjournment

Lawyers for Irish citizen Ibrahim Halawa are sceptical of a trial taking place “any time soon” following its fifteenth adjournment.

Mr Halawa, 20, is being prosecuted alongside hundreds of co-defendants in mass trial for allegedly participating in a political protest.

He was 17 at the time of 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.

Solicitor Darragh Mackin of Belfast firm KRW Law, representing Mr Halawa, said in a statement: “Today has cemented the belief that a trial is now unlikely any time soon.

“This fact is wholly and entirely unacceptable bearing in mind Ibrahim has now been detained for 3 years and one month already, since he was a child aged 17, and with no sign of an imminent conclusion.

“We have advanced an application for Ibrahim Halawa’s release. This application was lodged on 18th August 2016. It is our understanding that this application is actively being considered.

“It is with this in mind that the maximum pressure must now be brought to bear, to ensure that it is met with the appropriate response.

“Today’s development unequivocally strengthens the requirement for the Egyptian President to now directly intervene and ensure he is returned back to Ireland. Such an outcome, in light of today’s development, is the only option that remains to ensure that Egypt respects its obligations under International Law.”