RSF demands the immediate release of blogger Alaa Abdel Fattah, detained for over a decade. His mother is on a hunger strike, risking her health as she advocates for his freedom. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has pledged support, while UN experts have condemned the unlawful detention. Egypt ranks poorly in press freedom, with numerous journalists imprisoned.
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) demands the immediate release of Alaa Abdel Fattah, who has been detained for over ten years in Egypt. More than 150 days have passed since his prison sentence was completed; however, he remains incarcerated despite his mother’s precarious health condition while she undergoes treatment in a London hospital. His continued detention follows a conviction for a Facebook post, which the authorities do not acknowledge as time served.
Alaa Abdel Fattah’s mother, mathematics professor Laila Soueif, initiated a hunger strike to advocate for her son’s freedom and has not eaten for nearly six months. Her health has dramatically deteriorated; doctors warn that she could pass away at any moment. Nevertheless, she insists on continuing her protest until there is tangible progress towards her son’s release.
“Egypt must free Alaa Abdel Fattah immediately. His mother’s life depends upon it, and his 13-year-old son needs him home. What is urgently needed now is a global push for justice for Alaa,” stated a representative of RSF, highlighting the urgency of the situation. The UK government has intensified diplomatic efforts lately, though tangible outcomes remain elusive.
United Nations human rights experts have similarly urged the Egyptian government to terminate Abdel Fattah’s detention, deeming it unlawful. They criticized the persistent suppression of freedom of expression within Egypt’s jurisdiction, urging compliance with international human rights obligations. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has pledged to support efforts for Abdel Fattah’s liberation but has yet to yield substantive results.
In the RSF 2024 World Press Freedom Index, Egypt ranks a dismal 170 out of 180 nations, reflecting rampant censorship, arbitrary detentions, and other violations against the press. Currently, twenty journalists, including Abdel Fattah, remain imprisoned in Egypt, illustrating the ongoing threats to journalistic freedom and human rights within the country.
The call for Alaa Abdel Fattah’s immediate release highlights the severe human rights violations occurring in Egypt, particularly targeting freedom of expression. His mother’s prolonged hunger strike underlines the urgency of the situation, as her health deteriorates significantly. Both international organizations and human rights experts are urging the Egyptian authorities to comply with their obligations and release Abdel Fattah to prevent further tragedy within his family.
Original Source: rsf.org
