CAIRO, EGYPT – People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy has been detained by Egyptian authorities while attempting to participate in a protest march to the Gaza border. Murphy, along with other Irish activists, was among hundreds of demonstrators facing mass detentions in Cairo as part of the Global March to Gaza.
Protest and Detentions
The march, involving around 3,000 activists from 80 countries, aimed to cross the Sinai Desert to Rafah, demanding the opening of the border crossing, the entry of humanitarian aid, and an end to Israel’s bombardment of Gaza.
Murphy was scheduled to participate alongside other Irish campaigners, including People Before Profit activist Kellie McConnell, who was also detained.
Irish Citizens Among Those Arrested
At least three Irish citizens were confirmed arrested ahead of the march. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) stated it had been contacted by a small number of citizens and was providing consular assistance.
A spokesperson for the march, Saif Abukeshek, reported that over 200 participants were either detained at Cairo Airport or questioned in hotels across the city. Egyptian plainclothes police reportedly entered hotels with lists of names, interrogated activists, and in some cases, confiscated mobile phones.
Murphy’s Detention and Deportation Concerns
Murphy confirmed he was being held in Ismailia, with Egyptian soldiers confiscating his passport. Authorities were attempting to move detainees onto a bus, which Murphy believes is intended for deportation out of Egypt. He stated that those detained are refusing to board.
Political Responses and Calls for Action
Matt Collins, National Secretary of People Before Profit, urged the Irish Government to demand the release of detained Irish citizens, stating:
“They are on a peaceful march to demand that humanitarian aid is delivered to starving people in Gaza. There is no reason for them to be detained”.
Labour’s Duncan Smith expressed solidarity with Murphy, condemning efforts to block transparency regarding the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Social Democrats Councillor Turned Away
Mark Barry, a Social Democrats councillor, was also participating in the march but was turned away at a checkpoint in Ismailia. He reported that Irish delegates had their passports taken and were placed on a windowless bus by the Egyptian army, likely for deportation.
Barry called on the public to amplify messages and urged representatives to intervene, stating:
“This is a peaceful protest, an international, civilian-led protest, and we are being stopped from having our voices heard”.
Irish Government Urged to Intervene
Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore called on the Taoiseach and Tánaiste to contact the Egyptian government and demand that Irish citizens have their passports returned and are allowed free passage.
Sinn Féin’s Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire condemned the detentions, stating:
“This was an initiative to break the blockade of Gaza and increase pressure on the Israeli government, and it is deeply disappointing that the Egyptian government is giving cover to them in this way”.
Conclusion
The detention of Irish activists in Egypt has sparked political outcry, with calls for government intervention to secure their release and safe passage. As tensions rise, the situation remains fluid, with activists continuing to resist deportation efforts.
