merrion street

Speaking after today’s latest hearing in the court case in Cairo, Minister Coveney said; “Ensuring Ibrahim Halawa’s return to his home and family in Ireland is an absolute priority for me as Minister for Foreign Affairs and I am determined to do everything I can to make that happen. 

"Diplomats from the Irish Embassy were in the court again in Cairo earlier today for the latest hearing in the court case, and there is further encouraging news of progress in the trial.  The last of the prosecution witnesses were called today, and the Judge confirmed that no further prosecution witnesses will be called.  

"The presiding judge made clear his determination to move the trial forward quickly and indicated that the defendants and their lawyers, including Ibrahim and his Egyptian legal team, will have their opportunity to put forward their case before the panel of judges in the coming weeks. 

"The Irish Government will be continuing to send observers to the trial hearings to make clear our strong interest in the case and our concern for the rights and welfare of our Irish citizen, Ibrahim Halawa. 

"I spoke by telephone earlier today with the Egyptian Foreign Minister, Sameh Shoukry, and I raised with him my concerns about Ibrahim Halawa’s situation and stressed my commitment to seeing him returned to Ireland as soon as possible."