merrion street

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Simon Coveney has expressed disappointment and frustration at the news from Cairo that the final hearing in the case has been deferred.

Minister Coveney said:

“I am frustrated at the news that the final hearing in the court case involving Irish citizen Ibrahim Halawa was today deferred. The Irish Ambassador was in court for this morning’s proceedings, and our understanding now is that the verdicts in the case will be announced on Monday, 18 September.

This is very frustrating for Ibrahim Halawa and for his family, who were expecting some definitive news today, and I fully share that sense of disappointment and frustration at yet another delay in this long-running case.

Nonetheless, we will be continuing to work in support of Ibrahim and his family and doing everything we can to ensure that he is able to return to Ireland as soon as possible once the trial ends.”