UN human rights experts are demanding the immediate release of Alaa Abdel Fattah, an imprisoned activist, particularly as his mother, Laila Soueif, faces serious health risks after a long hunger strike. Despite completing his five-year sentence, Egyptian authorities intend to keep him incarcerated until 2027, raising concerns about arbitrary detention and repression of dissent.
Human rights experts associated with the United Nations have urgently called for the release of Alaa Abdel Fattah, the imprisoned Egyptian-British activist. Their appeal coincides with the deteriorating health of his mother, Laila Soueif, who has been on a hunger strike for nearly five months in protest of her son’s imprisonment. Concern is mounting for her wellbeing, especially following her recent hospitalization due to low blood-sugar levels.
Abdel Fattah, a prominent figure during Egypt’s 2011 revolution and a robust critic of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, has spent the majority of the last 14 years in custody on terrorism charges viewed by many activists as unfounded. Although Egyptian authorities had indicated his release in September after serving a five-year sentence, they have since stated he will remain imprisoned until 2027.
The experts expressed their concern, urging the Egyptian government to release Abdel Fattah immediately due to the arbitrary nature of his detention and the critical health situation of his mother. Reports from St. Thomas’ hospital indicate that Soueif is at significant risk of sudden death if her hunger strike continues without intervention.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Foreign Secretary David Lammy have advocated for Abdel Fattah’s case with Egyptian officials, yet they have faced challenges in securing even consular access. Starmer met with the family a fortnight ago, vowing to do everything possible to achieve Abdel Fattah’s release.
The situation surrounding Alaa Abdel Fattah highlights significant human rights concerns, particularly regarding his unlawful detention and the health crisis faced by his mother. The ongoing hunger strike by Laila Soueif has drawn attention to the broader issues of freedom of expression and political repression in Egypt, necessitating urgent scrutiny by international human rights organizations and foreign governments.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
