The European Parliament has overwhelmingly passed a resolution calling for the release of Irishman Ibrahim Halawa from an Egyptian jail.
The motion passed with a majority of 566 against 11. 46 members abstained.
Ibrahim turned 20 last weekend and has been held in Egypt without trial for over two years.
The European Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid say they will support Irish efforts to secure Ibrahim’s release, although commissioner Christos Stylianides insists that it remains a consular issue.
MEP Lynn Boylan of Sinn Féin read out a note from Ibrahim that he got smuggled out of jail.
“Today is my 20th birthday, and for the third time I spend it alone,” it read.
“On this day I would like to send my best to all those who believe in freedom and defend humanity. Those who light a candle every night for the weak and oppressed.”
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