Minister Flanagan expresses disappointment at further adjournment in Ibrahim Halawa case

DUBLIN, Ireland, August 3, 2015/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Speaking following the adjournment of the case in Egypt today (Sunday) , the Minister for Foreign Affairs & Trade, Charlie Flanagan, said:

“Officials from the Embassy in Cairo attended the court hearing today in relation to Ibrahim Halawa's case. I am disappointed that the case has been adjourned until 4 October. I am advised that the further adjournment is on account of the non-attendance of a number of witnesses.

“In my many contacts with my Egyptian counterpart Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, I have emphasised the importance of due process in this case and have highlighted the Government's continued concern regarding the length of time our citizen has spent in detention while awaiting trial. I spoke again to Minister Shoukry last Wednesday and strongly reaffirmed the Government's deep interest in Ibrahim's welfare.

“This case is being followed extremely closely by my Department and the Embassy in Cairo. Officials from our Embassy attended today's hearing, as they have on all previous occasions. Last Sunday, they also visited Ibrahim in prison for the 43rd time.

I fully understand that today's further adjournment will be a source of deep frustration to Ibrahim Halawa and his family. My Department will continue to provide comprehensive consular assistance to Ibrahim, and to work actively to try to secure positive progress for him. I will also remain engaged in seeking to achieve a positive outcome to this consular case. ”