Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 April 2015
173. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will continue to demand the release of a person (details supplied) in Egypt who is now on death row; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15073/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraReports that this individual is on death row are incorrect. His case is currently before the Courts in Egypt – as matters stand he has not been convicted of any crime. I, and officials in my Department including our Embassy in Cairo, have raised this case with the Egyptian authorities on many occasions. The individual's trial has started, with the next hearing scheduled for 26 April. The Irish Government has formally supported applications by this individual’s lawyers for his release. I have spoken personally to my Egyptian counterpart on a number of occasions, including as recently as 2 April, to underline our support for this citizen’s release and to highlight key humanitarian concerns.
In advance of the last hearing, reports were circulated that this individual was being tortured and was being kept in a ‘death penalty cell’. As soon as possible after these reports were received, our Ambassador in Cairo herself undertook a consular visit. Following discussions with the individual, during which he could speak freely, the Ambassador established that the citizen was neither being tortured nor housed in a death penalty cell, nor was he sharing a cell with prisoners who had been sentenced to death. In addition to being inaccurate, such reports were unlikely to have been helpful to this citizen’s best interests.
We keep all aspects of this case, including the Department’s own approach, under review. However, at all times, the key consideration for me and my Department has been, and will continue to be, to ensure that any action that is taken is in this citizen’s best interests. However, I would like to assure the deputy that officials in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, both in Dublin and in Cairo, remain in ongoing contact with this individual and his family, and will continue to offer full consular support. We will continue to engage appropriately with the Egyptian authorities, will remain resolute in seeking to protect the interests of the citizen concerned and will do all possible to achieve a positive outcome.
