Paul Murphy detained and passport seized in Egypt again

James Cox

Paul Murphy has been detained again in Egypt, according to his family.

It is claimed the People Before Profit TD went to a Cairo police station to retrieve his phone, under the advice of the Irish Embassy, but has not been allowed to leave.

Other participants in the Global March to Gaza are reportedly also detained.

Mr Murphy's partner, Jess Spear is appealing to Tánaiste Simon Harris to ensure all those involved are released, and their passports are returned.

A statement on behalf or Mr Murphy said: "I have been detained in the Abdeen police station in Cairo."

He said after arriving at the police station, officials "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."

Ms Spear 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".