merrion street

• Minister Flanagan again met with Foreign Minister Shoukry in New York during UNGA
• Minister Flanagan today spoke to the Egyptian Ambassador underlining the Government’s concerns
• Irish Government support for Decree 140 application has been communicated by the Taoiseach to President el Sisi and to Minister Shoukry by Minister Flanagan

Following an application by defendants at the last hearing (29 June) for an expert review of the audio-visual evidence in this case, the trial was adjourned until early October. It was originally anticipated that a technical hearing connected to the audio-visual evidence review would take place on 2 October (today). However the hearing did not proceed today as the 2nd of October was designated the start of Hijra (Islamic New Year) and a public holiday in recent days.

Following an update on developments from Ireland’s Ambassador to Egypt, Damien Cole, Minister Flanagan today (Sunday, 2 October) spoke directly to Egypt’s Ambassador to Ireland, Soha Gendi. He expressed his concern about further delays and underlined the Government's strong desire to see Ibrahim returned to Ireland as a matter of urgency

Confirming he has again met with the Egyptian Foreign Minister recently, Minister Flanagan stated:

"I am very disappointed that the case hearing did not go ahead today. The case of Ibrahim Halawa remains a high priority for me and I met with Foreign Minister Shoukry last week in New York where I highlighted my concerns at the repeated delays and reinforced the Government’s support for the recent Decree 140 application made by Ibrahim’s lawyers. Both I and the Taoiseach have communicated our support for this application in writing to Minister Shoukry and President el-Sisi respectively.

"My senior officials will meet with Ambassador Gendi tomorrow.

"The Government is continuing to use every possible opportunity to underline our concerns about this case to the Egyptian Government, and also with the EU.

"We are working closely with Ibrahim’s family and with his lawyers in Dublin and Cairo. Ambassador Cole spoke to Ibrahim’s Egyptian lawyers today (Sunday). We are seeking urgent clarification from the Egyptian authorities in respect of the next hearing date.

"I want to reaffirm to Ibrahim, his family and his friends of my own and the Government’s ongoing commitment to secure his return to Ireland as soon as possible and to ensure his welfare during his detention.

"The Department continues to work closely with Ibrahim's legal team in Cairo and Dublin, and to offer exceptional levels of consular assistance to Ibrahim and his family in light of the special circumstances of this case."