Today, Ibrahim Halawa has learned that there has been yet another adjournment in his mass trial in Cairo, as Egypt continues to ignore its obligations under both Egyptian and international human rights law. Ibrahim, who faces a possible death penalty, was a minor when he was first arrested in August 2013. He has spent almost four years in prison awaiting trial.
At today’s hearing, the prosecution summed up its case and presented its final arguments. The defence case will now begin, though Amnesty International understands that there are no remaining witnesses to be called.
“Amnesty International has conducted a thorough, independent review of the prosecution evidence and concluded that Ibrahim was arrested solely for peacefully exercising his right to freedom of assembly and expression. He is a Prisoner of Conscience. Today’s adjournment – the twenty-eighth – means that he will continue to be unjustly incarcerated in an Egyptian prison. This young Irish citizen has spent 1,439 days imprisoned, when he should rightfully be at home in Dublin with his family, friends and loved ones. His ongoing detention is an inexcusable violation of both international and Egyptian law.
“Given the length of his imprisonment and the horrific circumstances of his detention, Amnesty International continues to be gravely concerned for both his mental and physical wellbeing. We reiterate our call on the Egyptian authorities to drop all charges against Ibrahim and to order his immediate and unconditional release. We also 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.
Ibrahim Halawa was just 17 years old when he was first detained in August 2013. He faces a mass trial alongside 493 other defendants, which cannot meet the standards required for a fair trial as defined under international human rights law. He was arrested, along with his three sisters, while taking sanctuary in the Al Fath mosque. While his sisters were released on bail, Ibrahim has been incarcerated for almost four years without trial.
His trial has been rescheduled for 1 August 2017.
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