Irishman due before Egyptian court for 12th time

CONCERNS have been raised by TDs and human rights groups for jailed Irishman Ibrahim Halawa, whose trial in Cairo was adjourned for the 11th time before Christmas. 

The 20-year-old is due before an Egyptian court again this week (January 9).

Halawa, who along with 494 defendants faces charges of murder and vandalism, was arrested in a 2013 protest in the Egyptian capital’s central Ramsis Square against the military’s overthrow of Islamist President Mohammed Morsi.

Egypt rejected a plea from the European Parliament to release Halawa with the country’s foreign ministry saying the request amounted to a “violation of the independence” of its judiciary.

The ministry also dismissed allegations that Halawa was tortured in custody and is on hunger strike. It refuted Europe’s claim that he may face the death penalty, saying that Egyptian law does not impose capital punishment on offenders under 18.

Halawa, who holds dual Egyptian and Irish nationalities, was 17 at the time of his arrest.

His trial has been delayed or postponed 11 times since his incarceration, a situation that has prompted Amnesty International, who have declared Halawa a Prisoner of Conscience, to claim that Egypt is flouting international human rights law.

 “The farcical nature of the Egyptian legal system has again been highlighted as Ibrahim’s trial was delayed for the eleventh time,” said Colm O’Gorman, Executive Director of Amnesty International Ireland. 

“The continuing imprisonment of this young Irish and EU citizen is a violation of both international and Egyptian law. Ibrahim is one of 494 defendants facing a grossly unfair mass trial which makes it almost impossible for his lawyers to mount a meaningful defence. 

“Ibrahim’s ordeal has been harrowing,” he added. “For more than two and a half years, his family have fought for his release, living with dreadful worries for his wellbeing and the absence of a much loved son and brother. As Ibrahim spends his 856th night in an Egyptian prison cell, Amnesty International continues to be gravely concerned for his mental and physical wellbeing, and again calls for his immediate and unconditional release.” 

The European Parliament has overwhelmingly supported – by a 98 per cent majority- a Joint Resolution expressing “deep concern about the unacceptable breach of basic human rights arising from [his] arbitrary detention”. The resolution, which was supported by all Irish MEPs, further expressed its deepest concern for Ibrahim’s “deteriorating condition due to his hunger strike”.

Dublin Sinn Féin MEP Lynn Boylan has said the Irish Government must call for Ibrahim’s immediate and unconditional release.

 “It is quite clear that Ibrahim is not going to get a fair trial,” she said. “This is the eleventh postponement of his trial.

“This latest adjournment, till January 9, is a major disappointment for Ibrahim and his family who are desperately worried about him.

“The Irish Government should call for Ibrahim’s immediate and unconditional release which is what a majority of the European Parliament did.”

The Minister for Foreign Affairs Charlie Flanagan said he was “disappointed” by the further delay, and has conveyed his concern over the length of Halawa’s detention directly to the Egyptian government.

However, he believes the Egyptian government is in “no doubt” as to Ireland’s interest in Halawa’s welfare.

“I am also worried by reports that the lawyers involved in this trial have collectively withdrawn from the case and I hope this matter can be resolved as soon as possible,” Minster Flanagan said.

“This case is receiving high priority in my department. Officials from Ireland’s Embassy represented the Irish Government at today’s hearing in Cairo.”