Surprise adjournment in Ibrahim Halawa case at hearing where verdict expected

The trial of Irish citizen Ibrahim Halawa in Cairo has been adjourned again at a hearing where verdict was widely expected to have finally been passed.

Solicitor Darragh Mackin of Belfast firm KRW Law said the latest development “comes as an appalling surprise to all involved”.

The case has been adjourned until 2 October 2016 in order to allow for video evidence to be reassessed.

Mr Halawa, 20, is being prosecuted alongside 494 co-defendants in mass trial for allegedly participating in a political protest in 2013.

He was 17 at the time of his arrest 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.

Mr Halawa’s sister, Somaia Halawa, said the family would seek an urgent meeting with the Irish Government in light of the adjournment and would reapply for his release under Law 140, which allows for those under trial in Egypt to be deported to their home country.

Ms Halawa said today’s decision seemed to indicate that the trial “will now start afresh in October”.

Mr Mackin said: “We, in collaboration with the Irish government, have been continuously preparing for what, we all believed, to be the end of the judicial proceedings.

“For the trial to be reopened, and adjourned to October is entirely insupportable. It is no secret that we have serious concerns and reservations about the criminal justice process in Egypt.

“These concerns have manifested themselves in today’s decision. Power does not appear to listen to reason. As is evident from the EU Parliament’s motion, and the UN’s Communication, the delay in resolving this matter is entirely unacceptable and we must now, in tandem with the Irish Government, reassess our options in light of today’s development.

“We can confirm we intend to meet with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in the coming days to consult on the proposed way forward, in light of what has been a further hindrance to the resolution of this matter.”