Trial Of Ibrahim Halawa Delayed Until Next Month
The trial of Ibrahim Halawa has been delayed until the 9th of May.
The 21 year old Dubliner appeared for the 22nd time in a Cairo court today.
He's part of a mass case with more than 400 other defendants who were arrested during a protest in Cairo nearly four years ago.
Human rights group, politicians and the Ibrahim's family all admit they're growing increasingly concerned for his welfare - and a doctor has asked for him to be released for medical tests.
Commenting on the case, the Minister for Foreign Affairs Charlie Flanagan said his officials were at today's hearing: “Seven more witnesses were called and cross-examined during today’s proceedings. The court will sit again on 9 May."
“The Irish Embassy in Cairo has been closely monitoring this trial since it began. The relatively short adjournment period and the progress in recent hearings in terms of witness testimony are indications of momentum in the trial process, which is to be welcomed after a very difficult and frustrating period of over three years.
“My expectation now is that the trial will move towards a conclusion. It is important that there should be no further delays in the process.
“The Government, my own Department of Foreign Affairs and our Embassy in Cairo will continue to monitor all developments in relation to Ibrahim Halawa’s case and his health and welfare, which remain matters of the utmost concern. We will continue to provide every possible consular assistance to Ibrahim Halawa and his family. A further consular visit will be undertaken by the Embassy to Ibrahim Halawa in the coming days.”
Amnesty International Ireland said it is beyond farcical that Ibrahim Halawa has endured some many delays in his trial.
Amnesty researchers on the ground at the time of his arrest say Ibrahim was sheltering in a mosque and could not have committed the violent crimes he has been charged with.
It comes as the government has called for his release on humanitarian grounds.
The Taoiseach has written to the Egyptian President requesting the release of the 21-year-old following a medical examination by an Irish doctor who asked for him to be released to carry out more tests.