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Check FAQAbout Mostafa
Mostafa Darwish is an award winning Egyptian visual journalist currently based in Ireland. In 2019, Darwish won the Thomson Foundation’s mobile journalism (‘mojo’) competition, for his report on Egypt’s sharp fare increases to an already inadequate train system. Since beginning his career at the start of the Egyptian revolution in 2011, he has covered major news events in Egypt for both local newspapers as well as international news agencies including EPA , the Associated Press and AFP. As a freelance multimedia journalist, Darwish has worked for APTV on more than 160 stories since 2015 alongside working for Mada Masr, BBC, al-Jazeera, aj+, Great Big Story, al-Monitor, ZoominTV. In addition, he has led journalism workshops in Lebanon and Egypt. Darwish has travelled across the Middle East and Europe, covering news and documenting life in Sudan, Turkey, Malaysia, Sweden, Georgia, Latvia, Ireland and United Arab Emirates. Last year, Darwish was awarded the 2019 Zenith magazine grant, and he filmed a documentary about Egyptian exiles Georgia under the Open Media Hub grant. In February 2019 Darwish was featured as the journalist of the month by International Journalists’ Network (IJNET) Most recently, he is covering the migrants issues in Ireland publishing for Euro News , Middle East Eye and The Associated Press alongside his master studies in journalism at the University of Limerick and working on some guest lecturing for Irish local university Griffith College Dublin.
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Russia-Ukraine war: Irish lawmaker calls out Nato ‘hypocrisy’
Irish MP Richard Boyd Barrett criticizes NATO powers for engaging in the same warmongering they accuse Russia of, calling for opposition to all forms of imperialism. The article highlights the perceived hypocrisy in NATO's stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Hundreds take to the streets of Dublin to protest the Saudi-led war in Yemen
Hundreds of people marched towards Saudi Arabia's embassy in Dublin to protest the war in Yemen, led by Ireland’s anti-war movement to raise awareness about the conflict entering its eighth year.
Russia-Ukraine war: Arab students stranded on Poland’s border
Russia-Ukraine war: Egyptian-Polish interpreter helps Arabs fleeing from Ukraine
Fouad Ajlan, an Egyptian migrant living in Poland for 13 years, is assisting Arab students escaping the violence in Ukraine at the Poland-Ukraine border.
Activist students on squatting in Cork city to protest Ireland's housing crisis
Activist students from the Connolly Youth Movement are squatting in Cork to protest Ireland's housing crisis, highlighting the high number of vacant properties amid rising homelessness. They criticize the government's lack of political will to address the issue, attributing it to vested interests in maintaining the status quo. The article also discusses the legality of squatting in Ireland and references the 2016 Apollo House occupation in Dublin as a significant precedent. The activists argue for public housing as a solution, condemning the commodification of housing by major political parties.
Asylum seekers claim they are being treated differently to Ukrainian arrivals
Asylum seekers in a Dublin hotel report poor living conditions and claim they are treated differently compared to Ukrainian arrivals. An asylum seeker from North Africa describes sleeping on the floor and chairs, while Ukrainian refugees receive better treatment and quicker transfers. The Department of Integration and International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS) are criticized for their inadequate response to complaints. The Movement of Asylum Seekers in Ireland (MASI) highlights the racial bias and poor conditions faced by non-Ukrainian asylum seekers, advocating for better treatment and adherence to EU directives on reception conditions.
Leo Varadkar has no problem walking around Dublin without garda escort amid growing safety concerns
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar expressed confidence in walking around Dublin without a Garda escort despite recent high-profile attacks raising safety concerns. He emphasized that assaults can happen anywhere and highlighted the government's focus on addressing domestic and gender-based violence. Justice Minister Helen McEntee faced criticism for her comments on safety while accompanied by Garda protection. The government acknowledged it would not meet its target of recruiting 1,000 new Gardaí by the end of the year, with recent graduation numbers falling short.
Man suspected of murdering Kirsty Ward in Spanish hotel denies he killed her in prison video
A man suspected of murdering Dublin woman Kirsty Ward in a Spanish hotel denies involvement in her death in a video recorded from prison. Kirsty Ward was found strangled in a hotel corridor in Costa Dorada. The suspect, who has been remanded in prison, claims he was not present at the time of her death. The investigation continues, and formal charges are yet to be decided. Kirsty Ward is remembered by her family and colleagues.
Meath Street florist shares fears for street trading's future
Kathleen Farrell, a florist who has been trading on the streets of The Liberties in Dublin for over 50 years, expresses concerns about the declining popularity and support for street traders. She highlights the historical significance of street trading in the area and the personal connections she has built with her customers. Farrell criticizes the local council for not providing adequate support and suggests that designated areas with necessary facilities could help sustain the tradition. She emphasizes the unique and approachable nature of street trading compared to conventional shops.
Dogs Trust: Animal shelters in Ireland in a 'crisis' made worse by housing and cost
Animal shelters in Ireland are in a crisis due to an overwhelming number of dogs being surrendered. Ciara Murran from Dogs Trust in Dublin highlights the challenges faced by her organization and others, with over 1,000 requests to surrender dogs in the first three months of 2023, a 40% increase from the previous year. The situation is exacerbated by the housing and cost-of-living crises. Dogs Trust staff are struggling to manage the situation, often unable to take in more dogs due to limited resources.
Ireland's asylum seekers: Long waits and mental health struggles
The article discusses the plight of asylum seekers in Ireland, focusing on individuals like Eyhab Najaar Kalani from Syria, Faycal Chabani from Algeria, and Alaa Bahlouan from Egypt. It highlights the challenges they face within the Irish direct provision system, including long waits for decisions on their refugee status, restrictions on work and study, and the impact on their mental health. The article also touches on the European Union's Dublin III provision, the risk of torture for those sent back to countries like Egypt, and the lack of transparency and training among staff dealing with asylum seekers. The Department of Justice's response to these issues and the prioritization of certain cases are also mentioned. The article sheds light on the systemic issues within Ireland's asylum process and the personal stories of those affected by it.
Housing Crisis: Ghost estate in Carlow has 63 finished homes lying empty
The Glendale Estate in Tullow, Carlow, one of Ireland's 75 ghost estates, remains empty despite having 63 completed houses. Originally sold in 2012, the houses were unfinished but are now complete. Locals express frustration over the waste during a housing crisis, with the latest figures showing 11,754 people in emergency accommodation. The number of ghost estates has significantly decreased since 2010, but over 500 people still live in partially-completed estates.
Ireland's General Election and the Overlooked Issue of Direct Provision
The article by Mostafa Darwish discusses the lack of attention given to 'direct provision' in the campaign discussions of Ireland's general election. Direct provision is the administration system for asylum seekers in Ireland, which has been in place since 1999 and currently houses 6,350 individuals in 39 privately-operated government centres. The article highlights the challenges faced by asylum seekers like Bulelani Mfaco from South Africa and Ashraful Islam from Bangladesh, who have been living in direct provision for years and are awaiting decisions on their status. The cost of maintaining these centres and the quality of life for the residents are also discussed, with a focus on the need for candidates who will address the system and improve the living conditions for asylum seekers.
'20 of us sleep together for warmth by Connolly Station': The homeless freezing on Dublin streets
Homeless individuals in Dublin are taking drastic measures to survive the freezing temperatures, with some sleeping together for warmth and others preferring prison over the streets. The article highlights the severe homelessness problem in Dublin, with criticism directed at the government for its inadequate response.
20 of us sleep together for warmth by Connolly Station: The homeless freezing on Dublin streets
Homeless individuals in Dublin, including Dominic and David, describe their struggles to stay warm and find shelter. They criticize the government's handling of homelessness, highlighting the widespread issue and lack of effective solutions. David, a 69-year-old man, even resorts to getting arrested to escape the cold, reflecting the dire circumstances faced by many.
Russia-Ukraine war: Egyptian citizens at borders 'beaten' and abandoned
Egyptian citizens fleeing Ukraine have faced racism, neglect, and violence at the borders with Poland and Romania. Students like Adham Alaaeddin and Mahmoud Abu al-Soud recounted harrowing experiences of being ignored by food sellers, mistreated by Ukrainian police, and receiving no assistance from the Egyptian embassies. Umm Khaled, a mother of a stranded student, expressed her frustration with the lack of support from Egyptian authorities. The UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, acknowledged the racism faced by non-European refugees at the borders.
Pictures: Crowds descend on Cork City for Jazz Festival
Crowds from Cork and across the country gathered in Cork City for the third day of the Jazz Festival, despite intermittent rain. The festival, which had an anxious buildup due to reopening uncertainties, is now in full swing with live performances energizing the city. Seán McCarthy, owner of Soho on Grand Parade, likened the preparation to opening a new business. Long queues were seen outside many venues, and the festival is expected to continue with more events, hoping for better weather on Monday.
Taliban aims to reassure on women's rights and revenge fears, as NGOs call for refugee places
The Taliban has reiterated its stance against revenge on those who assisted American forces, as the UN Human Rights Council raises serious concerns ahead of a special session. US President Joe Biden faces criticism for his administration's handling of the situation. Ireland plans to accept 300 Afghan refugees, with calls from human rights groups to increase this number to at least 1,000. Irish ministers have announced funding for the UNHCR and are engaging in international efforts to support peace and human rights in Afghanistan. Afghan asylum seekers in Ireland express deep concern for their families back home.
'Heartbreaking': Afghan asylum seekers living in Ireland feel 'powerless' to help their families
Afghan asylum seekers in Ireland express deep concern and helplessness over the Taliban's rapid takeover of Afghanistan, fearing for the safety of their families. They criticize delays in the asylum process, exacerbated by the pandemic, and urge the International Protection Office to expedite their applications. The Department of Justice has prioritized Afghan asylum seekers, but applicants like Waheed Talwar and Emal Fiza remain anxious about their families' well-being and the possibility of reuniting with them.
Bank of Ireland is first to allow asylum seekers open accounts
Bank of Ireland will allow asylum seekers to open bank accounts starting May 14. The bank acknowledges that some customers may lack the usual documentation required to open an account.
Asylum seekers ‘excluded from financial system’ by banks in Ireland
Asylum seekers in Ireland face significant challenges in opening basic bank accounts, despite having the legal right to do so under EU directives. Banks, including the Bank of Ireland and Ulster Bank, have been inconsistent in their application of account opening policies, often requiring documentation that asylum seekers cannot provide. This has forced some asylum seekers to work illegally. Nasc, an NGO, and the Department of Justice are working to address these issues, emphasizing the need for financial inclusion, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Youth lead climate action for Climate Tracker - Latvia
Egyptians in exile due to political work for the Associated Press- Turkey
Centre trains blind to overcome their disability for the Associated Press - Sudan
Exiles scared to return to Egypt for The Associated Press- Malaysia
Diplomatic rift threatens Syrian residencies for the Associated Press - Georgia
Group founded by Khashoggi protests in Dublin for the Associated Press - Ireland
Uncertainty and despair: The struggles of asylum seekers in Ireland
Asylum seekers in Ireland, including Syrians, Algerians, and Egyptians, face a meandering and confusing system with devastating consequences on their mental health. Eyhab Najaar Kalani, Faycal Chabani, and Alaa Bahlouan shared their struggles with the direct provision system, which limits their ability to work, study, and integrate into society. Despite contributing to the community, they await decisions on their status, with some cases taking years due to the Dublin III provision and other bureaucratic delays. The Department of Justice Ireland and the International Protection Office are criticized for slow processing times and lack of transparency, while Human Rights Watch warns of the risks of torture for those deported back to countries like Egypt. The mental health of asylum seekers has been severely affected, with reports of suicides and calls for a more timely and humane approach.
Video | On the arrest campaign targeting members of Egypt's Uyghur community
Egyptian authorities have detained numerous Uyghur individuals, predominantly students from Al-Azhar University, with the intention of extraditing them to China. The Uyghurs, an ethnic minority from the Xinjiang Autonomous Region in China, fear that upon their return, they will face arrest by Chinese officials for alleged terrorism links. While some have successfully fled to Istanbul, others are stranded in Cairo under precarious conditions. The situation highlights the broader international issue of Uyghur treatment by Chinese authorities, which is a point of contention and concern for human rights advocates.
Egypt imprisons 152 people for march against islands ceded to Riyadh
Egyptian courts sentenced 152 people to prison for participating in protests against the transfer of the islands of Tiran and Sanafir to Saudi Arabia. The sentences, ranging from two to five years, were handed down in two separate trials. The protesters were accused of participating in illegal demonstrations and being part of a terrorist group, although the specific group was not identified. The protests were a significant challenge to the Egyptian regime, reflecting widespread anger over the agreement between President al-Sisi and the Saudi king. The opposition views the transfer as a betrayal of national pride and a quid pro quo for Saudi financial support.
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