Laila Soueif, mother of imprisoned activist Alaa Abd el-Fattah, was hospitalized after 150 days on hunger strike. Surviving on minimal sustenance, her health has sharply deteriorated. A coalition of 25 organizations, including Amnesty International, is urging UK officials to advocate for Alaa’s release at the UN Human Rights Council, highlighting ongoing repression in Egypt.
Laila Soueif, the mother of jailed activist Alaa Abd el-Fattah, has been hospitalized just before the 150th day of her hunger strike protesting her son’s imprisonment in Egypt. At 68 years old, she has lost nearly 30 kilograms since starting her strike on September 29. A significant decline in her blood sugar and blood pressure prompted her admission to St. Thomas’ hospital, as reported by her daughter on social media.
Laila has been surviving on herbal tea, black coffee, and rehydration salts. Egyptian authorities did not release her son, Alaa, on his scheduled date, which intensified her resolve. Recently, she met with Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who expressed a personal commitment to advocating for Alaa’s release.
In this critical situation, Laila’s health deterioration is alarming and raises serious concerns. Activist Sacha Deshmukh from Amnesty International UK expressed regret that her struggle should reach this severe stage. The situation emphasizes the urgent need for action from the international community regarding human rights abuses in Egypt.
Following Laila’s hospitalization, a coalition of 25 organizations, including Amnesty International, urged UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy to leverage his participation in the UN Human Rights Council to advocate for Alaa’s release. They called for a strong joint statement condemning Egypt’s ongoing human rights violations and repression.
The coalition’s letter highlighted that the Human Rights Council presents an opportunity to condemn Egypt’s repression of dissent and arbitrary arrests, particularly of journalists and peaceful activists. Concerns were raised regarding Alaa’s continued imprisonment despite completing a five-year sentence, especially given the health threats to his mother on hunger strike since his detention.
Laila Soueif’s hunger strike in support of her son Alaa Abd el-Fattah illustrates the intense pressures faced by families of political prisoners in Egypt. As her health declines, the international community is urged to take significant action to advocate for human rights and the release of political prisoners. The situation remains urgent, emphasizing the need for continued pressure on the Egyptian government to uphold its obligations concerning civil liberties.
Original Source: www.amnesty.org
