'I was whipped with metal chains in an Egyptian prison'

For Ibrahim Halawa, what began as a family holiday in 2013 became four years in an Egyptian prison.

The Irish Egyptian student was arrested at a Cairo mosque after a sit-in protest descended into clashes with security forces.

He was accused, with 500 others, of inciting violence and sabotage. He was acquitted of all charges and release from prison in October 2017.

Speaking to the BBC Mr Halawa claims that while in an Egyptian prison he was physically and mentally abused, including being whipped with metal chains, stripped naked and hit with an AK47.

Before his imprisonment, Mr Halawa had taken part in protests against the military ousting of Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi.

After his released he and members of his family faced questions about links to the Muslim Brotherhood. Mr Halawa denies claims that he or members of his family are members of the Muslim Brotherhood.

The BBC contacted the Egyptian Government for a comment but did not receive a response.

Mr Halawa is now studying law at University College Dublin.

Video journalist: Niall McCracken

source: bbc.com


🕐 Top News in the Last Hour By Importance Score

# Title 📊 i-Score
1 China launches TJS-17, expanding classified geostationary satellite series 🔴 76 / 100
2 5 Simple Ways to Lower Your Heat and Electric Bills This Spring 🔴 75 / 100
3 Six people killed after helicopter crashes into Hudson River in New York 🔴 72 / 100
4 The FDA Just Cleared the Dexcom G7 15-Day, the Longest-Lasting CGM 🔴 72 / 100
5 US top court instructs Trump to return man deported to El Salvador in 'error' 🔴 72 / 100
6 Millions of gallons of sewage now flowing into the Tijuana River — but why? 🔴 72 / 100
7 NYC Hudson River helicopter crash victims are identified as tech boss, his wife and three children 🔴 65 / 100
8 Microsoft is about to launch Recall for real this time 🔴 65 / 100
9 Nathan Aspinall considered quitting darts as he lifts lid on condition after Prem win 🔵 55 / 100
10 Tensions arise over Speaker Mike Johnson's efforts to bring Rep. Elise Stefanik back into the fold 🔵 52 / 100

View More Top News ➡️