Birthday messages of support for imprisoned Ibrahim Halawa

Thousands of well-wishers have sent messages to a young Irish man, potentially facing execution in Egypt, as he spent a third birthday behind bars.

Ibrahim Halawa is said to have endured “torture and inhumane treatment”, including regular beatings, while detained at the notorious Wadi Natrun prison, where guards are alleged to have used electricity and even crucifixion on inmates.

The Dubliner was just 17 when in August 2013 he was arrested by the Egyptian army as he took refuge in a Cairo mosque while Muslim Brotherhood protesters staged a “day of rage” outside.