IBRAHIM HALAWA ACQUITTED OF ALL CHARGES IN EGYPT
Today Ibrahim Halawa, the 21-year-old Irishman arrested in Egypt in August 2013 and held in arbitrary pre-trial detention for over four years, has been acquitted of all charges by the Egyptian Court in Cairo. Ibrahim’s international legal team expresses great relief at this news and continues to stand in solidarity with Ibrahim and his family.
During his time in detention in various prison facilities in Egypt, Ibrahim witnessed and was subjected to horrific human rights abuses and inhuman prison conditions, including violent physical abuse, overcrowding, humiliation and appalling lack of sanitation.
Throughout the four years of his detention, international human rights bodies have consistently called for Ibrahim’s release. Following representations by his legal team, a Joint Urgent Appeal from several United Nations bodies (the Special Rapporteurs on Torture, Counter-Terrorism, the Independence of Judges and Lawyers, and Summary Executions) and the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention was sent to the Government of Egypt on 14th August 2015.
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. Ibrahim’s case was adjourned over thirty times by the Egyptian court.
Somaia Halawa, Ibrahim’s sister today said:
“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 LLP solicitor to Ibrahim Halawa says:
“Today marks the end to what has been a turbulent four years. Throughout that time Ibrahim Halawa and his family have tirelessly fought for his freedom – and today’s verdict is a true testament to their hard work and dedication. Ibrahim and his family have been vindicated by today’s verdict. We now look forward to seeing Ibrahim return home to his family in the coming days, and will be actively engaging with the Irish and Egyptian Government to ensure that happens without any further delay.”
Notes for Editors:
Any queries should be directed to the family’s solicitor, Darragh Mackin, KRW Law, at darragh@kevinrwinters.com or +447976070023.