Today marks the fourth anniversary of the arrest of Tallaght native Ibrahim Halawa in Cairo
Today marks the fourth anniversary of the arrest of Tallaght native Ibrahim Halawa in Cairo in 2013.
Ibrahim was just 17 years-of-age when he travelled to Egypt on holidays with his three sisters.
He was later arrested during public political protests against the military overthrow of Mohammed Morsi – Egypt’s first democratically elected president.
The trial of Mr Halawa and 493 others has been adjourned more than 30 times so far. Ibrahim’s defence team were finally able to begin making their case earlier this month.
A protest, led by Amnesty International, will take place today at 1pm outside the Egyptain Embassy on Clyde Road in Dublin4.
Speaking yesterday, Amnesty International’s Colm O’Gorman said: “Amnesty International has conducted a thorough, independent review of the prosecution evidence and concluded that Ibrahim was arrested solely for peacefully exercising his right to freedom of assembly and expression.
“Ibrahim is a Prisoner of Conscience. He has spent four years imprisoned in Egypt, when he should rightfully be at home in Dublin with his family, friends and loved ones.
Irish citizens in Cairo mosque siege
4 years on, Ibraham Halawa is still in prison@RTENews reports #OnThisDay 2013 https://t.co/HxKLccLYSb— RTÉ Archives (@RTEArchives) August 17, 2017
He continued: “His ongoing detention is an inexcusable violation of both international and Egyptian law. Given the length of his imprisonment and the horrific circumstances of his detention, Amnesty International continues to be gravely concerned for both his mental and physical wellbeing.
“We reiterate our call that the Egyptian authorities drop all charges against Ibrahim and order his immediate and unconditional release. We also urge the Irish Government to continue working on his behalf and to use every means at their disposal to secure his release.”
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