Costello condemns treatment of Ibrahim Halawa

6 January 2015

by Cllr Joe Costello

The decision today to postpone the latest Court hearing for charges against Ibrahim Halawa is unacceptable.

“This is the fourth time that the trial has been postponed.  In the meantime, Mr Halawa has been detained in custody for over 18 months.  Justice delayed is justice denied, and he should be released and allowed home to Ireland to complete his studies” said Deputy Costello.

“Ibrahim Halawa was a minor when arrested with his three sisters in a mosque in Cairo during political protests in 2013.  Now in a mass trial of 394 people, he faces charges of attempted murder and participating in an illegal protest.  Amnesty International has criticised this group trial as being contrary to proper jurisprudence and an attack on the human rights of each individual defendant.”

“Ireland must continue to ensure that the delay and lack of due process in the treatment of Ibrahim Halawa, an Irish citizen, is highlighted at every possible opportunity.”