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

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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.

Emotions were running high among his family members

— Stephanie Grogan (@StephGrogan3) " 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
— Stephanie Grogan (@StephGrogan3)

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

— Ku Ni (@vmcoo) " 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 man
— Ku Ni (@vmcoo)

— Mark Malone (@soundmigration) " 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)

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

— susan bevan (@darlabevan) " 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)

— Sarah Ní Riain (@froodie) " 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)

— North Down Sinn Féin (@bangorsinnfein) " 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
— North Down Sinn Féin (@bangorsinnfein)

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) " 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
— North Down Sinn Féin (@bangorsinnfein)

— Biff Finn (@Biff11) " 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??
— Biff Finn (@Biff11)

Others were just happy to see him return home.

— Peter McGuire (@PeterMcGuireIE) " 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)