merrion street

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Simon Coveney, has confirmed that Ibrahim Halawa has been released from custody in Cairo.
The Irish Ambassador to Egypt, Sean O’Regan, confirmed that Ibrahim had been release at approximately 11.00 pm Irish time. Ambassador O’Regan and the Embassy team are providing Ibrahim with every appropriate support following his release.

Minister Coveney said:

"I am delighted that Ibrahim has finally been released after his long and difficult ordeal, and that he will soon be able to return home and be reunited with his family.

"I know that Ibrahim and his family have asked for privacy during this time and I hope that this will be respected. Ibrahim has been through a lot, and I think we all need to give him the time and space that he needs.

"On behalf of the Government, I want to make clear that all appropriate ongoing support that Ibrahim requires in the period ahead will be available to him.

"I would like to take this opportunity today to express on behalf of the Government my appreciation to the hardworking team in my Department’s Consular Directorate, and also and especially to our Ambassador in Cairo, Sean O’Regan, his predecessors and their team, for all that they have done, and are continuing to do, to support this Irish citizen and to work to ensure his safe return home to Ireland.

This is a great moment for Ibrahim and his family – a moment for celebration, and a moment for savouring freedom, and I want to wish Ibrahim Halawa and his family all health and happiness for the future."