Verdict not delivered in Ibrahim Halawa case after last-minute adjournment

The verdict expected today in the trial of 21-year-old Irish citizen Ibrahim Halawa in Cairo has been postponed until at least next month.

Mr Halawa is one of hundreds of people who are being tried in mass trial for serious offences related to alleged participation in a political protest in 2013, all of which he strongly denies.

Lawyers for Mr Halawa expected the long-running proceedings against him to come to a conclusion today, but they have instead been adjourned again until 18 September 2017.

Solicitor Darragh Mackin of KRW Law said: “Today’s news is truly devastating for our client and his family. Regrettably, this is not the first time the case has been due to conclude when a last minute, unexpected and unjustified decision is taken to delay the case further.”

Belfast-based Mr Mackin continued: “We are now four years on, with each day and each false dawn having a hugely significant mental and physical impact on our client’s health.

“It is not known when this case will ever end. Such irrational and unpredictable decisions cannot be allowed to continue, and in particular when they operate in a vacuum of lawfulness depriving our client of his basic rights.”

Mr Halawa’s sister, Somaia Halawa, added: “It is truly upsetting and heart-breaking to constantly keep having our expectations and hopes shattered into a million pieces.

“It is not just Ibrahim’s life that is being played around with but also the entire family’s life. We would ask that our family are allowed some time to ourselves during this difficult period.”