Family and friends rejoice at Ibrahim Halawa's release

For four years, Ibrahim Halawa's family have fought for the Irishman's release from an Egyptian jail. Today, they rejoiced as he won his freedom.

Narrated

3 min read

The New Arab

18 Sep, 2017

Ibrahim Halawa [Facebook]

As Irish citizen Ibrahim Halawa's celebrated his acquital in a Cairo court after four year's in prison, friends and supporters turned to social media to voice their suprise and joy at the announcement.

Halawa and his three sisters Somaia, Fatima and Omaima - who were tried in absentia - were all acquitted of their charges, Irish broadcaster RTE reported.

The 21-year-old was arrested in 2013 during a clampdown on protests against a military coup, which overthrew Egypt's first democratically-elected President Mohamed Morsi.

His Facebook page saw an emotional message to Halawa's followers posted.

Facebook Post

Emotions were running high among his family members

— Stephanie Grogan (@StephGrogan3) September 18, 2017 " style="color:#fff;" class="twitter-post-link" target="_blank">Twitter Post

Very emotional scenes here in Firhouse this afternoon following news of Ibrahim's acquittal #halawa pic.twitter.com/zdnYSsjq6Y
— Stephanie Grogan (@StephGrogan3) September 18, 2017

Many stressed his innocence in the first place, which saw him unjustly imprisoned...

— Ku Ni (@vmcoo) September 18, 2017 " style="color:#fff;" class="twitter-post-link" target="_blank">Twitter Post

After four years of being held, Ibrahim Halawa has been found innocent of all charges. He now returns to family and Ireland an #innocent man
— Ku Ni (@vmcoo) September 18, 2017

— Mark Malone (@soundmigration) September 18, 2017 " style="color:#fff;" class="twitter-post-link" target="_blank">Twitter Post

Brilliant breaking news about Ibrahim Halawa, found not guilty on all charges.
— Mark Malone (@soundmigration) September 18, 2017

Those campaigning for his release are glad he will finally return home to Ireland...

— susan bevan (@darlabevan) September 18, 2017 " style="color:#fff;" class="twitter-post-link" target="_blank">Twitter Post

"Ibrahim Halawa" He will be home soon. Well done to all who worked on his behalf.
— susan bevan (@darlabevan) September 18, 2017

— Sarah Ní Riain (@froodie) September 18, 2017 " style="color:#fff;" class="twitter-post-link" target="_blank">Twitter Post

Trying not to cry at work re Ibrahim Halawa. So much relief and also anger that it's taken so long.
— Sarah Ní Riain (@froodie) September 18, 2017

— North Down Sinn Féin (@bangorsinnfein) September 18, 2017 " style="color:#fff;" class="twitter-post-link" target="_blank">Twitter Post

North Down SF warmly welcomes the long overdue release of Ibrahim Halawa. Sinn Fein has put serious hard work into achieving this outcome pic.twitter.com/K2DmXR9GMB
— North Down Sinn Féin (@bangorsinnfein) September 18, 2017

Some were angry at the hypocritical messages from politicians who they argued didn't do enough to secure Halawa's release in the first place.

— North Down Sinn Féin (@bangorsinnfein) September 18, 2017 " style="color:#fff;" class="twitter-post-link" target="_blank">Twitter Post

North Down SF warmly welcomes the long overdue release of Ibrahim Halawa. Sinn Fein has put serious hard work into achieving this outcome pic.twitter.com/K2DmXR9GMB
— North Down Sinn Féin (@bangorsinnfein) September 18, 2017

— Biff Finn (@Biff11) September 18, 2017 " style="color:#fff;" class="twitter-post-link" target="_blank">Twitter Post

Every politician rushing to claim support for Ibrahim Halawa. How much have they done in last 4 years?? #IbrahimHalawa
— Biff Finn (@Biff11) September 18, 2017

Others were just happy to see him return home.

— Peter McGuire (@PeterMcGuireIE) September 18, 2017 " style="color:#fff;" class="twitter-post-link" target="_blank">Twitter Post

Four years of freedom taken away from a young, innocent man. Four years, for nothing. Thrilled for Ibrahim Halawa & his family today.
— Peter McGuire (@PeterMcGuireIE) September 18, 2017