Updated 5.50pm
THE IRISH GOVERNMENT has responded to reports that Dublin student Ibrahim Halawa moved prison and his family are not aware of his location.
In an earlier statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs said that Egyptian authorities confirmed to the Irish Embassy in Cairo that Halawa remains in Tora Prison.
“We have conveyed that information to the Halawa family here in Ireland,” the statement read.
This evening the department released another statement which noted: “Following contradictory reports earlier today, it has now been confirmed by the Egyptian authorities in Cairo and by their Embassy in Dublin that Mr Halawa was transferred to the Wadi el Natrun prison yesterday.
“Irish diplomats in Egypt will make another consular visit to Mr Halawa in the coming days.”
Reports had indicated that the Halawa family was concerned about Ibrahim’s whereabouts, claiming he had been moved within the system and they did not know where to find him.
The Irish Embassy in Cairo told TheJournal.ie today that it is “making the necessary arrangements to pay another consular visit to Mr Halawa very shortly”.
Tora Prison is known for its harsh conditions.
In a statement earlier today, Green Party TD Catherine Martin called for the department to clarify what happened in relation to prison transfers over the past week.
“This is the latest incident in a process that has gone on far too long. There are serious concerns for Ibrahim’s wellbeing, and we’re urging the acting minister Charlie Flanagan to redouble his efforts to seek Ibrahim’s release,” she said.
- with reporting by Órla Ryan
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