People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy released after second detention by Egyptian police
Last week, Mr Murphy and others from the activist group had their passports taken after being held as they attempted to walk to Rafah as part of the protest to highlight the blockade of aid into the region.
While Mr Murphy was later released and had his passport returned last week, his mobile phone was held by authorities, according to a statement from the Dublin TD's party.
However, Mr Murphy was detained again in Cairo earlier today when he went to a police station to retrieve his phone.
'This morning People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy, on the advice of the Irish Embassy, went to a Cairo police station to retrieve his phone,' according to a statement from the party.
'He messaged from the station that he was concerned that his passport had been taken again and was told he cannot leave.
'He just attempted to leave but has been prevented from doing so by the police. Other participants in the Global March to Gaza are also detained,' the party added.
According to a message from Mr Murphy to the party, the Dublin South-West TD went to the Abdeen police station in Cairo at 12.30pm local time to enquire about his mobile.
'They took my passport again, had me talk to the secret police and left me in a room with an interpreter. They claim they are looking for my phone. I just attempted to leave but they said that I cannot leave,' Mr Murphy said in the message.
The party confirmed that Mr Murphy has once again been released from custody.
Mr Murphy's partner, Cllr Jess Spear, had appealed to Tánaiste and Foreign Affairs Minister, Simon Harris, to intervene.
'The Tánaiste must ensure that Paul and all the Global March to Gaza participants are released, have their passports returned and are allowed to continue their humanitarian mission to try and get aid to the people of Gaza,' Ms Spear said.
In a statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs said it is providing consular assistance.
"We can confirm that the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is providing consular assistance in this case. Consular assistance is provided on a confidential basis and therefore the Department does not comment on the details of individual cases," according to the statement.
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