The trial of Ibrahim Halawa, the 21-year old from Firhouse, Dublin, who has been held in jail for four years in Egypt, was again adjourned when it came before the courts in Cairo on Wednesday.
The next hearing in the case will not be until July 4th, as the court will not convene for the religious month of Ramadan.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Charlie Flanagan said he was disappointed to note that a number of witnesses who had failed to appear to give evidence last week, had again failed to turn up in court.
“However, I note that, in line with the presiding judge’s decision to take steps to speed up the trial process, lawyers submitted today a list of 18 priority witnesses who will be called for the next hearing. Our understanding is that no further witnesses beyond this list of 18 will be called by the prosecution side.”
So far no evidence has been presented against Mr Halawa. Officials from the Irish embassy in Cairo were again in court for the latest hearing.
‘Violation’
Amnesty International said it has has conducted a thorough, independent review of the prosecution evidence and concluded that Mr Halawa was arrested solely for peacefully exercising his right to freedom of assembly and expression. “His ongoing detention represents an inexcusable violation of both international and Egyptian law.”
It said that as Mr Halawa faces a mass trial alongside 493 other defendants, it cannot meet the standards required for a fair trial as defined under international human rights law.
The Department of Foreign Affairs said that following extensive representations from the Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Mr Flanagan, President el-Sisi of Eygpt has indicated that he will exercise his presidential powers to return Mr Halawa to Ireland following a verdict.
