Supporters attend a protest calling for the release of the Halawa siblings outside the Egyptian embassy in August

Supporters attend a protest calling for the release of the Halawa siblings outside the Egyptian embassy in August

Updated at 8.01pm

THREE DUBLIN SISTERS who were held by Egyptian authorities for three months have been welcomed home to Ireland by family members and well-wishers.

Somaia, Fatima and Omaima were freed from detention in Egypt earlier this month following intervention by the Irish government. They were detained on 17 August.

The three Irish citizens — along with their brother Ibrahim — were imprisoned after a protest they were taking part in calling for the reinstatement of ousted president Mohammed Morsi turned violent. 17-year-old Ibrahim remains in custody.

The siblings were visited by Irish consular staff during their time in detention. Foreign Affairs Minister Eamon Gilmore said the Irish government had increased pressure on Egyptian authorities to free them, in the days before their release.

Omaima (21), Fatima (23) and Somaia (27) arrived home to Dublin Airport earlier today, where they were greeted by a relatives and friends carrying banners and cheering.

They spoke briefly to reporters, saying they wished to thank the Minister for Foreign Affairs and diplomatic staff for working to ensure their release. They also expressed their thanks to media outlets, family members and “everyone behind the scenes”.

The Department of Foreign Affairs is continuing to provide assistance to Ibrahim, and is liaising with Egyptian authorities on his ongoing detention.

Originally posted at 2.12pm