Bar of Ireland voices concern over Ibrahim Halawa trial

Mr Halawa’s trial in Cairo was adjourned for the 17th time yesterday.

In a statement, the Bar committee said: “Mr. Halawa was arrested and detained, as a minor, in Egypt in August 2013. Since his arrest and detention, Mr. Halawa’s trial for the offences of which he has been accused, has been adjourned 17 times.

“His trial was adjourned again yesterday, his 21st birthday, and is re-listed for the 17th of January 2017. This means that that he will have been in pre-trial detention for almost three and a half years in breach of his right to a trial without undue delay in accordance with international human rights norms and conventions.

“The Committee also has concerns as to the vindication of his right to a fair trial in circumstances where it is understood that he is to be tried concurrently with several hundred other accused.”

The committee also noted with serious concern the issues raised about the conditions and circumstances of Mr Halawa’s detention and welcomed plans for an upcoming visit by members of the Oireachtas.

The committee said it “trusts that the Irish Government will continue its efforts, at the highest levels, to ensure that Mr Halawa’s human rights pursuant to international law are fully respected and vindicated”.