Ibrahim Halawa's condition 'serious' after collapsing in Egyptian jail

A doctor is urging for the release of the Irish citizen to carry out further tests as his family report that he continues to suffer from heart problems and dehydration.

MENA

2 min read

The New Arab

04 April, 2017

Ibrahim Halawa is reportedly suffering from heart problems after weeks of a hunger strike [Facebook]

The family of detained Irish citizen Ibrahim Halawa said that he is in a "serious condition" after he collapsed due to dehydration while in an Egyptian prison.

The 21-year-old, who has been on hunger strike for weeks, has been jailed in Egypt without trial for over three and a half years.

Last week an Irish doctor visited Halawa and recommended that he be released for further medical tests, Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs, Charlie Flanagan, confirmed on Monday.

His family and lawyers say that he has a heart problem and a skin disease.

"This case remains a high priority for the government and it continues to receive unprecedented attention and resources in Dublin and in Cairo," said Flanagan.

According to Somaia, Halawa's sister, he collapsed on Sunday and was rushed to the clinic at Cairo's Wadi al-Natrum prison when his blood sugar level plunged.

Despite this, Halawa reportedly refused glucose treatment after he regained consciousness.

The Dubliner was arrested when he was 17-years-old during anti-government protests in Cairo in 2013. Egyptian authorities charged him with inciting violence, rioting and sabotage.

His trial has been adjourned 20 times.

Egyptian authorities under President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi have arrested tens of thousands of activists as part of an ongoing campaign to suppress political dissent in the country.

Hundreds have been killed since Sisi took power in a 2013 military coup, and over 40,000 people are believed to have been jailed.