People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy detained for second time in Egypt
'I just attempted to leave but they said that I cannot leave'
People Before Profit TD, Paul Murphy, has been detained once again in Egypt, while in the country as part of a march to Gaza.
Last week, Mr Murphy along with others from the activist group were detained and had their passports taken, 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 when he went to a police station to retrieve his phone.
People Before Profit TD, Paul Murphy.
News in 90 seconds - 16th June 2025
'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.
Mr Murphy's partner, Cllr Jess Spear, has 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.
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