Irish-Egyptian Ibrahim Halawa Acquitted By Egypt Courts After Four-Year Imprisonment
An Irish national who was arrested for his role in 2013 protests was acquitted on all charges after a four-year imprisonment, Wadi al-Natrun courts ruled Monday.
Ibrahim Halawa, 21, of Dublin, was cleared of murder, inciting violence, and arson during a mass trial in courts near Cairo, the capital city of Egypt.
The trial saw verdicts read for 500 prisoners, including US national Ahmed Etiwy.
Arrest and Charges
Halawa was arrested at the Al-Fath mosque raid in 2013 after he participated in protests against the ousting of Muslim Brotherhood-affiliated president Mohammed Morsi. He was originally on a summer trip to Egypt with his family, and just 17 years old at the time.
The Irish-Egyptian was detained along with his three sisters, although they were released and returned to Dublin three months following their arrest. Halawa, however, remained a prisoner until news of his upcoming release earlier today.
Ibrahim Halawa, moments after his acquittal. He jumped with joy, hugged fellow prisoners and had tears in his eyes. pic.twitter.com/P40IjYQLHK
Halawa was reported to have “jumped with joy” upon hearing the verdict, hugging nearby detainees and clearly beaming with happiness.
Ireland’s Prime Minister, Leo Varadkar, stated that their government plans to facilitate Halawa’s homecoming “at the earliest opportunity”.
“We are delighted with today’s news,” said Halawa’s lawyer, Darragh Mackin, to the Guardian. “After four turbulent years, Ibrahim Halawa has been found innocent of all charges. He has, from day one, maintained his innocence to the charges. He now looks forward to being reunited with his family an innocent man.”
Irish consul Shane Gleeson gestures to Ibrahim Halawa, Irishman imprisoned in Egypt for 4 years, after his acquittal. pic.twitter.com/5GaTLQY9Jk
An avid traveller, photographer, and culture aficionado who graduated from the London School of Journalism, Kari recieved her sciences degree in Anthropology from Loyola University Chicago. Kari is a Senior Editor and Writer at Egyptian Streets, Allteresting News, and Le Voyageur Magazine.
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