Ibrahim Halawa from Firhouse acquitted of all charges
Ibrahim Halawa and his three sisters have been acquitted of all charges by a court in Egypt this afternoon.
The 22-year-old from Firhouse in Tallaght has spent four years in prison for protesting in Cairo in 2013.
Mr Halawa, along with almost 500 others, was arrested in 2013 during a public political protests against the military overthrow of Mohammed Morsi – Egypt’s first democratically elected president.
His sisters, His three sisters, Somaia, Fatima and Omaima were also arrested but later released on bail and returned to Dublin.
The trial of Mr Halawa and 493 others had been adjourned more than 30 times so far.
Human rights groups such as Amnesty International have continuously called for his release.
Breaking: Ibrahim Halawa has been acquitted of charges. Verdict just emerging in Cairo. Really, really good news. #FreeIbrahim
— Colm O’Gorman (@Colmogorman) September 18, 2017
Ibrahim Halawa + his sisters have been acquitted of all charges in Cairo, will work to get him home asap, thoughts with his family
— Simon Coveney (@simoncoveney) September 18, 2017
President Michael D. Higgins commented on the verdict this afternoon, saying: “As President of Ireland I welcome the news that Ibrahim Halawa and his three sisters have today been acquitted of all charges brought against him, and them, in what has been a prolonged, distressing and draining experience.
“Today’s decision brings to an end a long ordeal that Ibrahim, his family, friends and legal team have been put through.
“I am sure Ibrahim’s family are looking forward to the moment that Ibrahim will return to his home and loved ones.”
