Government urges Halawa not to participate in hunger strike

Mr Flanagan was questioned in the Dáil yesterday on the measures being taken by the Government to secure the release of Mr Halawa, who was arrested for allegedly participating in a political protest.

Mr Halawa, 21, 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.

Speaking in the Dáil, Mr Flanagan said: “There are a number of direct channels between my Department and the Halawa family and also the lawyers and other interested parties that will be pursued.

“I am, however, very concerned at persistent reports that the citizen in question is not taking food and may be pursuing a hunger strike. I stress that such a course of action should not be pursued as it will only be damaging to his well-being, health and cause.

“He should look after his health by eating properly and co-operating with medical tests and investigations that are from time to time arranged on his behalf. Reports about his health are a matter of the utmost concern for both my Government colleagues and me.

“In the light of those concerns we took the unprecedented step last month of making arrangements for an Irish doctor to be nominated by the chief medical officer to visit him in prison to make an assessment of his health and the matter is the subject of ongoing attention.”

Mr Halawa’s next hearing will take place on Wednesday 26 April and officials from the Irish Embassy will be in court to observe proceedings.

At the last hearing, Mr Halawa’s lawyers requested his release on medical grounds and the judge undertook to examine the matter.