Laila Soueif has been on a 151-day hunger strike to secure the release of her son Alaa Abd El Fattah, a notable Egyptian political prisoner. Soueif’s health has deteriorated, leading to hospitalization, as she persists in her quest to urge the British government to act diplomatically. Her protest spotlights both personal sacrifice and the broader issues of political imprisonment in Egypt.
Laila Soueif, mother of political prisoner Alaa Abd El Fattah, has been on hunger strike for 151 days, advocating for her son’s release from an Egyptian prison. The 68-year-old mathematician has maintained her health on a limited intake of water and rehydration solutions, putting her life at risk according to her doctor. Following news that her son would not be released as anticipated, Soueif intensified her protest in a bid to influence the British government’s stance towards Egypt.
Originally began in September, her hunger strike reflects her urgent call for diplomatic action due to her son’s extended confinement. Soueif has traveled from Cairo to the UK during her protest, underscoring her commitment to the cause. Recently, she was hospitalized in London after experiencing dangerously low blood sugar and pressure levels, highlighting the severity of her condition amidst her activism.
Laila Soueif’s relentless hunger strike emphasizes the dire situation surrounding her son Alaa Abd El Fattah’s imprisonment in Egypt. Her efforts aim to prompt the British government to leverage diplomatic measures against the Egyptian authorities. The critical health risks she faces underscore the urgency of her mission and the broader implications for human rights in Egypt.
Original Source: www.nytimes.com
