STATEMENT RELEASED IN RESPONSE TO THE EGYPTIAN HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OBJECTIONS TO IRELAND’S CALL FOR IBRAHIM’S RELEASE
“According to reports (although we have received no direct communication or confirmation from the Egyptian government as yet), the basis for the objection seems to be twofold: (1) that Ibrahim is currently accused of serious criminal offences and (2) that to release him would interfere with the separation of powers between Government and Judiciary. There is no hiding from the fact that such a politically charged statement is concerning, and unconstructive, in working towards Ibrahim’s release. It is however a political statement, and has no basis in law, nor is it a direct response to the application for Ibrahim’s release.
Ibrahim Halawa is entitled to the presumption of innocence. No evidence has been produced by the state of Egypt to support these allegations, and no finding has been made against Ibrahim by the Egyptian courts. He has now been held in detention for three years, after being arrested when a child aged 17, and his case has been adjourned 14 times. He has witnessed physical abuse of detainees and torture in prison, and at present is into his second week of a hunger strike. There is no prospect that Ibrahim will receive a fair trial. A request for Ibrahim’s immediate release under the Egyptian Presidential Decree Law 140 is now imminent. It is expected that this request will be lodged before the end of week. It is our clear understanding that such a request will be supported and endorsed by the Irish Government at all levels. There has been no attempt to interfere in the separation of powers. Egyptian’s own domestic law, Law 140, expressly provides a mechanism for the transfer of accused or convicted prisoners from Egypt to their home country. Therefore, it is against this backdrop, and aside from the objections raised by the Egyptian House of Representatives that we will ultimately be asking for the Egyptian Attorney General to petition President El-Sisi for Ibrahim’s immediate release, pursuant to the domestic laws of Egypt (Law 140) as soon as possible.”
Darragh Mackin
KRW LAW LLP
Solicitor for Ibrahim Halawa
Caoilfhionn Gallagher
Katie O’Byrne
Mark Wassouf
Doughty Street Chambers
Counsel to Ibrahim Halawa 2
Notes for Editors:
Any queries should be directed to the family’s solicitor, Darragh Mackin, KRW Law, at darragh@kevinrwinters.com or +7976070023.
The case has been adjourned until 2nd October 2016, contrary to the fact the matter was today listed for Verdict to be delivered. It now appears, that the trial is going to be reopened and start afresh on 2nd October 2016 on the premise that the Judge wishes an expert to review video evidence.