Ibrahim Halawa acquitted in Egypt – safe return ‘imperative’

» John Hedges

An Phoblacht Editor

‘We would like to extend our thanks to all those who tirelessly campaigned and fought for Ibrahim’s release’ – Ibrahim’s sister Somaia

IT IS “IMPERATIVE” that the Egyptian Government guarantees the release and safe return to Ireland as soon as possible of Ibrahim Halawa after the young Irishman’s acquittal by a Cairo court on Monday after four years in prison on terrorism charges that could have led to the death penalty.

Ibrahim and his three sisters were among hundreds of people protesting the 2013 military coup that overthrew the elected President Mohammed Morsi.

Dozens were killed and scores wounded in clashes between Morsi supporters and police.

The court on Monday sentenced 43 defendants to life imprisonment (25 years under Egyptian law), 399 defendants were sentenced to between 5 and 15 years, and 52 were acquitted, including Ibrahim and his sisters who had been granted bail and had returned to Ireland.

Ibrahim had been declared by Amnesty International to be a “Prisoner of Conscience”.

In December 2015, the European Parliament voted overwhelmingly to recognise the human rights abuses to which Ibrahim was subjected and call for Ibrahim’s immediate release and repatriation to Ireland.

● Dublin MEP Lynn Boylan speaking in the European Parliament

Somaia Halawa, Ibrahim’s sister, said through legal firm KRW LAW on hearing of the verdicts on Monday:

“We are delighted at today’s verdict. Our entire family are overjoyed at the result and we now look forward to seeing Ibrahim return home as soon as possible.

“We would like to extend our thanks to all those who tirelessly campaigned and fought for Ibrahim’s release.”

Darragh Mackin, of KRW LAW, solicitor to Ibrahim Halawa, said:

“Ibrahim and his family have been vindicated by today’s verdict. We now look forward to seeing Ibrahim’s return home to his family in the coming days and will be actively engaging with the Irish Government and Egyptian Government to ensure that happens without any further delay.”

Longtime campaigner and Halawa family friend Dublin MEP Lynn Boylan tweeted:

“4 years too long but I couldn’t be happier for Ibrahim & his family today. His sisters are inspirational. So proud to have got to know them.” 

Gerry Adams said:

“Ibrahim has spent four years in a jail far from his home and family. His incarceration represents a violation of his basic human rights. His physical and mental health suffered greatly as result of his imprisonment. His treatment by the Egyptian authorities was an affront to human decency.”