People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy 'detained' in Egypt again after passport taken
People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy has been detained once again in Egypt.
The Dublin South-West representative, who is taking part in the Global March to Gaza, returned to a station in the Egyptian capital this morning, on the advice of the Irish Embassy, to enquire about his phone, which had been confiscated earlier in the week.
However, upon arrival, his passport was taken for a second time. Mr Murphy said he was then prevented from leaving. People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy after he arrived in Cairo. Pic: X
'I have been detained in the Abdeen police station in Cairo,'he said. On the advice of the Irish embassy I went to the station at 12.30pm Egyptian time to enquire about my phone that they took.
'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.
'I understand that other march participants have also been detained.'
It comes just days after Mr Murphy and several others were detained while attempting to reach the Rafah crossing into Gaza as part of a coordinated effort to deliver humanitarian aid. At that time, their passports and phones were also taken, and they were transported to Cairo airport under the impression they were being deported.
Now, several Global March to Gaza participants appear to have once again been held by Egyptian authorities. People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy in Egypt. Pic: X
Mr Murphy's partner, Jess Spear, has appealed for urgent intervention from the Irish Government.
'I appeal to Tánaiste Simon Harris to intervene urgently with the Egyptian authorities,' she said.
'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.'
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