Jailed Irishman Ibrahim Halawa released from prison in Egypt

Irish citizen Ibrahim Halawa was released from prison in Cairo early on Friday, after spending four years in detention awaiting trial for various charges.

The 21-year-old was arrested in 2013 during a clampdown on protests against Egypt's military coup, however was eventually cleared of all charges last month.

Halawa's release was announced on social media by campaign groups, prompting supporters of the Dubliner to celebrate and express their joy.

"Fantastic news, Ibrahim has finally been released from prison. We will now begin to make arrangements to bring him home where he belongs in Ireland. We can't thank enough all those who worked so hard for Ibrahim's release, we owe you all so much," the campaign group, Free Ibrahim Halawa, wrote in a statement on Facebook.


An image was also posted online that shows the Dubliner rejoicing with a relative, in what appears to be a photo taken after his release.

Halawa was taken in by
Egyptian authorities when he was just 17-years-old, prompting campaign groups and European governments to work to secure his release.

In his time in prison, during which his trial was ajourned 20 times, serious concerns were raised about his health and the prison's dire conditions.

His family reported that he was suffering from a heart condition and a skin disease.

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.