Ibrahim Halawa Aquitted

Irish-Egyptian Ibrahim Halawa has been aquitted following a lengthy court case in Cario. Ibrahim was arrested 4 years ago following protests in the Egyptian captipal againist the ousting of of former president Mohamed Morsi.

The Irish President released a statement saying "As President of Ireland I welcome the news that Ibrahim Halawa and his three sisters have today been acquitted of all charges brought against him, and them, in what has been a prolonged, distressing and draining experience. Today’s decision brings to an end a long ordeal that Ibrahim, his family, friends and legal team have been put through." He also thanked the staff at the Irish Embassy in Cairo for their work "It is appropriate, also, to acknowledge at this time the important efforts of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the staff at Ireland’s embassy in Cairo."

Sinn Fein Leader, Gerry Adams, also expressed his support for the verdict and called for Halawa to be repatriated to Ireland as soon as possible. Adams said ""It is now imperative that the Egyptian government guarantees his safe return to Ireland as soon as possible. Ibrahim has spent four years in a jail far from his home and family. His incarceration represents a violation of his basic human rights. His physical and mental health suffered greatly as result of his imprisonment. His treatment by the Egyptian authorities was an affront to human decency."

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Deputy Leader of Fine Gael said today "On behalf of the Government and on my own behalf I welcome the news from Cairo that Ibrahim Halwa has been acquitted. This is the good news we had been hoping for. Ibrahim Halawa’s name has been cleared and his innocence is confirmed. I look forward to him being released from custody without delay."

Fianna Fail Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs, Daragh O'Brien, say of his meeting with Ibrahim that "it was clear that those years of detention awaiting trial have taken a toll on his wellbeing." He also welcomed the verdict.