A coalition of Egyptian political figures has called for the release of Alaa Abdel Fattah, whose mother, Laila Soueif, is critically ill after a 128-day hunger strike. The group urges President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi for urgent intervention due to Soueif’s health concerns, as they highlight the miscalculation of Abdel Fattah’s prison sentence. His activism and subsequent imprisonment reflect ongoing issues of governmental repression in Egypt.
A coalition of Egyptian politicians, activists, lawyers, and journalists is advocating for the release of Alaa Abdel Fattah, a British-Egyptian activist currently on a hunger strike for over four months. His mother, Laila Soueif, is in critical condition due to her commitment to the strike, refusing food until her son is free. The group has urged President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to make an “urgent humanitarian decision” regarding Abdel Fattah’s release, citing her deteriorating health.
Alaa Abdel Fattah was initially set to conclude his prison term in September 2022, but his family claims the authorities miscalculated his imprisonment duration, thus violating the law. Citing the medical reports on Soueif, they warned of her imminent risk, as her health continues to decline significantly. Amidst these updates, human rights lawyer Khaled Ali conveyed their urgent plea at a press conference in Cairo.
The statement received support from notable figures, including Hamdeen Sabahy, Gameela Ismail, and Mohamed Anwar al-Sadat. Some of these supporters have been longstanding opposition voices, while others have recently collaborated with President Sisi to advocate for political reform amidst a nationwide crackdown on dissent. Their concerns echo the discontent with the government’s treatment of political prisoners and opposition activists.
Laila Soueif, 68, has lost an alarming amount of weight and is reportedly nearing heart failure, according to her doctor at the NHS. She has actively sought the British government’s assistance in securing her son’s release, particularly during a recent visit from British Foreign Secretary David Lammy. Soueif expressed her frustrations, emphasizing her exhaustion from the hunger strike and her desire for her son’s freedom.
Alaa Abdel Fattah played a crucial role during Egypt’s 2011 uprising, which led to the fall of former President Hosni Mubarak. He was sentenced in 2019 to five years for “spreading false news” concerning alleged torture practices in Egyptian prisons. Having gained British citizenship through his mother, the activist’s situation has drawn significant international attention, highlighting the ongoing issues of governmental repression of free expression in Egypt.
Alaa Abdel Fattah has been a significant figure in Egyptian activism, known for his role in the 2011 protests that resulted in the ousting of President Hosni Mubarak. His sentence reflects ongoing tensions in Egypt between the government and dissenters, particularly in a climate that has seen a severe crackdown on criticism and opposition. Support from his mother, Laila Soueif, signifies the personal and familial struggles faced by political prisoners, escalating calls for international responses to human rights abuses in Egypt.
The call for Alaa Abdel Fattah’s release, underscored by the critical health condition of his mother, draws attention to broader issues of political oppression in Egypt. Activists, politicians, and human rights advocates are rallying for action against the government’s stringent measures on dissent, emphasizing the urgent need for a humanitarian response from President Sisi. This situation reflects an ongoing struggle for human rights and the well-being of political prisoners, drawing international scrutiny.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
