Laila Soueif, mother of jailed activist Alaa Abd el-Fattah, was hospitalized after a prolonged hunger strike to protest her son’s imprisonment. Her health has deteriorated after nearly 150 days of fasting. British officials, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer, are addressing her son’s case with Egyptian authorities to seek his release amid international human rights concerns.
Laila Soueif, the mother of detained Egyptian-British activist Alaa Abd el-Fattah, was hospitalized after nearly 150 days of hunger strike protesting her son’s imprisonment. The 68-year-old professor has lost almost 30 kg (66 lb) during her fast, which began in September when Abd el-Fattah was not released as planned. She was admitted to St. Thomas’ Hospital due to dangerously low blood sugar levels, as reported by her daughter via social media.
Alaa Abd el-Fattah, a prominent figure in the 2011 Arab Spring, was sentenced to five years in prison over a social media post. His imprisonment is part of a broader history of detentions in Egypt, both before and after the uprising. Since his planned release date was missed, Soueif has limited her intake to herbal tea, black coffee, and rehydration salts.
The British government has shown concern for Abd el-Fattah’s case, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Foreign Secretary David Lammy addressing it with Egyptian officials multiple times. Recently, Starmer met with Soueif, assuring her that he would do his utmost to facilitate her son’s release. UK junior foreign office minister Hamish Falconer also expressed hopes for Soueif’s health in Parliament.
During a session at the U.N. Human Rights Council, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Atty mentioned the government’s commitment to improving human rights in the country. This includes establishing a new national dialogue and a pardons committee. Abd el-Fattah’s former cellmate, journalist Peter Greste, supported Soueif during her hunger strike for three weeks.
Sanaa, Abd el-Fattah’s sister, expressed frustration with the British government’s response but remains hopeful regarding their efforts. She emphasized the urgency of her brother’s situation and the need for effective intervention by British officials.
Laila Soueif’s ongoing hunger strike exemplifies the desperate situation of Alaa Abd el-Fattah, a jailed activist, highlighting both personal and political stakes. The British government continues to engage diplomatically with Egypt regarding Abd el-Fattah’s release, reflecting international concern for human rights issues. This situation underscores broader themes of government accountability and the impact of activism in the fight for freedom.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
