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The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Simon Coveney, TD, has commented on developments in today’s latest hearing in the court case in Egypt involving Irish citizen Ibrahim Halawa.
Following today’s hearing in Cairo, Minister Coveney said:
“Irish Embassy officials were present in the court once again today to observe and monitor the trial proceedings involving Irish citizen Ibrahim Halawa. They have informed me that the main development at today’s hearing was the closing presentation by the prosecutors, marking the end of the prosecution case.
“I welcome the fact that we have now reached the end of the prosecution case. I also welcome the fact that the defendants and their lawyers will now have their opportunity to set out their arguments responding to the prosecution case and evidence.
“The judge has announced that the next hearing will take place on 1st August 2017.
“When the Taoiseach and I met with Ibrahim Halawa’s family last week, we gave them strong reassurances that we will continue to maintain pressure in order to ensure that this issue is resolved, and that this young Irish citizen is returned to his home and his family as soon as possible.
I told them on that occasion - and I want to underline again today - that this case will remain our highest priority until it is resolved.”