Laila Soueif has been on a hunger strike for 151 days to demand the release of her son, Alaa Abd El Fattah, a prominent political prisoner in Egypt. Despite her deteriorating health, she continues to advocate for action from the British government, which has significant ties to Egypt. Ms. Soueif’s protest underscores the serious issues surrounding political imprisonment and the risks activists endure.
Laila Soueif, the mother of Alaa Abd El Fattah, a notable Egyptian political prisoner, has entered the 151st day of her hunger strike to advocate for her son’s release from prison. She has been subsisting solely on water, rehydration salts, and sugarless beverages since late September, in response to the denial of his anticipated release following a five-year sentence.
At 68 years of age, Ms. Soueif, a British citizen and a mathematician by profession, initiated this protest after her son, who is 43, was presumed to be due for release in September but was not freed as expected. She has publicly declared her intention to compel the British government to leverage its diplomatic influence and economic relations with Egypt to advocate for his freedom.
Ms. Soueif, who primarily resides in Cairo, has spent considerable time in the United Kingdom during her protest. Recently, she was hospitalized in London due to critically low blood sugar and blood pressure levels, raising serious concerns about her health and survival amid her ongoing hunger strike.
Laila Soueif’s prolonged hunger strike highlights the plight of her son, Alaa Abd El Fattah, and raises significant awareness regarding the challenges faced by political prisoners in Egypt. Her resolute commitment aims to invoke action from the British government to secure his release, underscoring the fragility of her own health as a consequence of her activism. With medical professionals warning of potential fatal consequences, the situation remains dire and necessitates urgent attention.
Original Source: www.nytimes.com
