Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Mark Stedman/Photocall Ireland
Detained

New calls for the release of Dublin teenager Ibrahim Halawa in Egypt

The 18-year-old has been held without trial for 13 months.

THERE HAVE BEEN fresh calls on Egypt to release Dublin teenager Ibrahim Halawa, who has been held for more than one year in prison without charge.

Sinn Féin’s Dublin MEP Lynn Boylan made the call on the floor of the European Parliament and asked for the EU to intervene.

The 18-year-old was arrested at a rally in support of ousted Egyptian leader Mohammed Morsi 13 months ago. He has been held without trial along with other Morsi supporters.

A mass trial of 480 prisoners was due to begin in August, but the presiding judge walked out, saying he could not stand over the trial. The attempted trial was described as a ‘pantomime’ and a ‘farce’.

One of Ibrahim’s sisters who visited him in prison last month said he had been stripped naked and beaten with a metal bar.

“Ibrahim has now been separated from his family for over a year, and the A-student has been prevented from continuing his studies with his friends back in Dublin,” said Lynn Boylan.

Two charities, including Amnesty International, have investigated Ibrahim’s case and found no justification for his continued incarceration, Boylan said.

Some 27 MEPs have signed a letter to the EU’s previous foreign affairs representative Catherine Ashton calling for the immediate release of Ibrahim, and Boylan said she now intends to request a meeting with the new High Representative, Frederica Mogherini.

Read: Ibrahim Halawa beaten with metal chain in Egyptian prison, says sister > 
Read: Egyptian judge walks out on trial of Irish teenager > 

Your Voice
Readers Comments
97
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.