merrion street

Following today’s hearing in the trial of Ibrahim Halawa in Egypt, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Charlie Flanagan stated:

“Officials from the Irish Embassy in Cairo were in court again today for the latest hearing in Ibrahim Halawa’s case. I was disappointed to note that a number of witnesses who had failed to appear and give evidence at last week’s hearing once again failed to appear in the court today. However, I note that, in line with the presiding judge’s decision to take steps to speed up the trial process, lawyers submitted today a list of 18 priority witnesses who will be called for the next hearing. Our understanding is that no further witnesses beyond this list of 18 will be called by the prosecution side.

“In line with usual practice in Egypt, the court will not convene during the coming holy month of Ramadan. The next hearing in the case has been scheduled for July 4th.

“The Government is continuing to give the highest priority attention to this consular case."

Following extensive representations from the Taoiseach and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, President el-Sisi has indicated that he will exercise his presidential powers to return Mr Halawa to Ireland following a verdict.