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The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Charlie Flanagan, has commented on developments at today’s hearing in the ongoing court case involving Ibrahim Halawa in Cairo, Egypt. He stated:
“I have received a report on the latest developments in the ongoing court case involving Ibrahim Halawa in Cairo from my officials who were present at today’s hearing.
“Seven more witnesses were called and cross-examined during today’s proceedings. The court will sit again on 9 May.
“The Irish Embassy in Cairo has been closely monitoring this trial since it began. The relatively short adjournment period and the progress in recent hearings in terms of witness testimony are indications of momentum in the trial process, which is to be welcomed after a very difficult and frustrating period of over three years.
“My expectation now is that the trial will move towards a conclusion. It is important that there should be no further delays in the process.
“The Government, my own Department of Foreign Affairs and our Embassy in Cairo will continue to monitor all developments in relation to Ibrahim Halawa’s case and his health and welfare, which remain matters of the utmost concern. We will continue to provide every possible consular assistance to Ibrahim Halawa and his family. A further consular visit will be undertaken by the Embassy to Ibrahim Halawa in the coming days.”