Egypt allows Chairperson of Oireachtas committee to visit Ibrahim Halawa

Committee Chairman and Fine Gael TD Pat Breen received the invitation from the Egyptian Embassy in Dublin after making a number of requests on behalf of its members.

The 19-year-old is expected to go to trial on Sunday – nearly two years after he was arrested.

The TD said the Department of Foreign Affairs is working the Egyptian authorities to arrange for Breen to travel to Egypt, where he will be allowed to meet with Halawa once accompanied by an official.

Ibrahim’s case is due to be heard in court this weekend, and Deputy Breen says the group has serious concerns about his welfare.

Dubliner Mr Halawa (19) has been in custody in Egypt since his August 2013 arrest during protests against the toppling of former president Mohamed Morsi.

Ibrahim is facing a mass trial with 493 others, and Amnesty Ireland said they fear he will face “cut-and-paste” charges.

Mr Halawa is being represented by civil liberties firm Doughty Street Chambers.