- Opinion
- 20 Oct 17
The Egyptian authorities released the Irish citizen late last night after keeping him locked up for over four years.
“Fantastic news, Ibrahim has finally been released from prison. We will now begin to make arrangements to bring him home where he belongs in Ireland," his family stated last night on Facebook.
The 21-year-old had been arrested back in 2013 during a protest and his court case was delayed a staggering 28 times before he got a chance to clear his name of any wrongdoing.
He had taken part in protests that led to the toppling of the ruling government, led by Mohammad Morsi.
Ibrahim was finally acquitted of all charges, including inciting violence, riot and sabotage last month. But even after he was found not guilty of the charges the authorities worryingly had continued to hold him until last night.
“We can’t thank enough all those who worked so hard for Ibrahim’s release, we owe you all so much," his family added in their statement.
President Michael D Higgins has welcomed the great news. "The release of Ibrahim Halawa will come as a great relief to his family. It will be welcomed by all those who were concerned for him in his long ordeal of imprisonment. I wish Ibrahim Halawa well on his journey home," he said.
A photo of Ibrahim smiling shortly after his release was shared on the 'Free Ibrahim Halawa' Facebook page at midnight last night.