Written answers

Thursday, 17 December 2015

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Egyptian Conflict

Photo of Thomas PringleThomas Pringle (Donegal South West, Independent)
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16. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide an update on the situation regarding a person (details supplied) held in an Egyptian prison; if he has made representations to officials in Egypt in view of this person's hunger strike; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45386/15]

Photo of Charles FlanaganCharles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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As has been previously stated to this House, my Department has two clear objectives in this case: first, to see this citizen released by the Egyptian authorities so that he can return to his family and his studies in Ireland and, second, to provide consular support for his welfare while he remains in detention. In furtherance of those clear objectives, our Embassy in Cairo has paid numerous consular visits to the citizen in detention, and has attended all trial hearings so far. Such a high level of consular visitation is an important practical tool in our approach, and it means that the Embassy is well-placed to raise any concerns with the Egyptian authorities. Indeed, numerous effective interventions have already been made on this citizen’s behalf by the Embassy and by this Government.

The most recent hearing of this citizen’s case occurred on Tuesday 15 December. At this hearing the presiding Judge declared that there would be a further adjournment until Saturday 19 December, due to the non-appearance of one defendant. At this hearing the Government was represented by our Ambassador to Egypt, who spoke directly with members of the citizen’s family, and with his Egyptian legal representation regarding aspects of his welfare. Embassy officials intend to make another visit to the citizen in the near future as part of its overall strategy to care for his welfare while he remains in detention.

I am aware that this citizen has indicated that he embarked upon a hunger strike as of 21 October. We advised him against this course of action in the strongest possible terms during the consular visit of 23 November, and I appeal for all those in positions of influence to do likewise. The Government remains in close contact with the Egyptian authorities regarding this citizen and they are in no doubt as to our interest in his welfare.

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