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Minister Flanagan expresses deep disappointment and concern following delay in Ibrahim Halawa case

  • - Government once again represented in Court
  • - Government continuing to provide consular support to Mr. Halawa and his family

Speaking from Belfast after the adjournment of today’s hearing of the case of Irish citizen Ibrahim Halawa in Egypt pending a review of evidence by a Technical Committee, to report by 2 October, Minister Flanagan said:

“I am extremely disappointed at the news of a further delay in the trial of Mr. Halawa. This latest delay is a particular source of concern and frustration for Mr. Halawa and his family. I fully share their sense of frustration.

“I will be conveying my concerns about this delay directly to the Egyptian Government and, notwithstanding the separation of powers, I will be seeking more information of the review of technical evidence ordered by the Court and its likely impact on this trial.

“Yesterday I met Ibrahim’s father and sister and reassured them of my own and the Government’s continued commitment to achieving our two objectives: to secure Ibrahim’s return to Ireland as soon as possible and to ensure his welfare during his detention. This case remains a key priority for me.

“Our Ambassador to Egypt was once again present in the Court for today’s hearing, as have Embassy officials been for all of the hearings in this case. Ibrahim’s welfare is an important priority for our Embassy in Cairo, as it is at home in Ireland. We are continuing to provide consular assistance to Ibrahim through regular visits to him in the prison where he is being held. The most recent consular visit with Mr. Halawa took place on May 29th and the Embassy will make arrangements for a further such visit in the coming days.

“The Department is continuing to advocate actively on Ibrahim’s behalf with the Egyptian authorities. As part of this approach, I again met with my Egyptian counterpart, Minister Shoukry, on 16 June in Cairo during which I underlined our concerns about this case and clearly restated our objective to see Mr. Halawa return to Ireland as soon as possible.

“I will continue to use every possible opportunity to underline our concerns about this case to Egypt, both directly and bilaterally, and also with EU and other international partners and friends.”