Amnesty International reiterates call for his immediate & unconditional release following 40 months of unlawful detention
Today, Ibrahim Halawa learned that there has been yet another adjournment in his mass trial. Ibrahim has now spent 40 months in prison as Egypt continues to disregard its obligations under both Egyptian and international human rights law. Amnesty International has declared Ibrahim a Prisoner of Conscience, based on its own eye-witness evidence that he could not have carried out the acts he is accused of. He was arrested and arbitrarily detained solely for peacefully exercising his right to freedom of expression and freedom of assembly.
“It is beyond farcical that Ibrahim Halawa has now endured seventeen delays in his trial, spending 1,214 days imprisoned in Cairo. He was arrested while attending a peaceful protest in the summer of 2013. Today, he “celebrates” his 21st birthday behind bars. Ibrahim should be at home with his family and friends. Instead, he is living in harrowing conditions in an Egyptian prison cell. His ongoing detention represents an inexcusable violation of both international and Egyptian law,” said Colm O’Gorman, Executive Director of Amnesty International Ireland.
Ibrahim Halawa, who faces a possible death penalty, was 17 when he was first arrested in August 2013 while taking sanctuary in the Al Fath mosque. While Ibrahim’s sisters were released on bail and are safe in Ireland, Ibrahim is one of 494 defendants facing a grossly unfair mass trial.
“This young man’s ordeal has been harrowing. For more than 3 years, his family have fought for his release, living with dreadful worries for his wellbeing and the absence of a much loved son and brother. Amnesty International remains gravely concerned for his physical and mental wellbeing and reiterates its call for his immediate and unconditional release. We urge the Irish Government to continue working on his behalf and to use every means at their disposal to secure his release,” said Colm O’Gorman, Executive Director of Amnesty International Ireland.
His trial has been rescheduled for 17 January 2017.
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