Ibrahim Halawa the Irish student imprisoned in Egypt for more than a year was set to begin his trial on Jan 5 in a court at the massive Tora Prison compound on the edge of Cairo but after three previous postponements, the mass trial of 493 people has been postponed again.
Dublin–born of Egyptian parents, Mr Halawa (19), has been charged with murder, attempted murder, and participating in an illegal protest along with 493 Egyptians who face the death penalty as well as long terms of imprisonment.
The proceedings were to be attended by Irish Ambassador Isolde Moylan who, along with her staff, has been present at previous court sessions and paid frequent visits to Mr Halawa in prison.
However the next scheduled trial date is 8 February 2015.
Executive Director of Amnesty International Ireland Colm O’Gorman said: “The injustice continues. The defendants in this case seem to have to wait indefinitely for their day in court.”
“Should that day ever arrive, it’s highly unlikely that the defendants will receive a fair trial in accordance with human rights standards or due process. The integrity of the Egyptian justice system at this point is in tatters. We are again calling for an end to this mockery of justice.”
“Ibrahim has spent over 500 days in prison on trumped up charges of everything from murder to preventing people from praying in a mosque. He was a child when he entered prison and has been ill–treated during his detention. He and his family have been subjected to an appalling ordeal that must end. He should be at home with his family and friends and getting on with his life.”
Ibrahim Halawa is charged with the following offences:
1. Murder
2. Attempted murder
3. Disturbing public order
4. Hindering the work of national institutions
5. Protesting without authorisation
6. Destroying public property (police station, public companies and police vehicles)
7. Preventing people from praying in Al Fath Mosque
8. Possessing weapons
9. Attacking security forces