Latest adjournment in Ibrahim Halawa case branded ‘farcical’

The trial of Irish citizen Ibrahim Halawa has been adjourned in Cairo for the 23rd time, sparking condemnation from Amnesty International.

Mr Halawa’s trial will resume next Wednesday.

Fiona Crowley, research and legal manager with Amnesty International Ireland, said the latest delay in the trial - almost four years after Mr Halawa’s arrest - is “beyond farcical”.

She added: “The continuing imprisonment of this young Irish and EU citizen is a serious violation of both international and Egyptian law.

“Over the last 45 months, Ibrahim’s ordeal has been nothing short of horrific. He has spent almost four years of his young life in harrowing conditions in a number of different prison cells.”

Amnesty has said its own independent review of the prosecution’s evidence has concluded that Mr Halawa was arrested solely for peacefully exercising his right to freedom of assembly and expression.

Amnesty researchers in Cairo on the night of his arrest confirm that he was sheltering in the Al Fath mosque and could not have committed the violent acts he has been charged with.

Ms Crowley said: “As he spends his 1,348th night in an Egyptian prison cell, Amnesty International continues to be gravely concerned for his mental and physical wellbeing. This young Irish man should be allowed to return home to his family and loved ones in Dublin.

“We reiterate our call to the Egyptian authorities for his immediate and unconditional release. We urge the Irish Government to continue working on his behalf and to use every means at their disposal to secure his safe return to Ireland.”