UN human rights experts have called for the immediate release of Alaa Abdel Fattah, a jailed activist whose mother’s health is critically declining due to a hunger strike. Concerns are growing for both their well-being as the Egyptian government insists on extending his imprisonment despite previous commitments. International calls for his release underscore broader issues regarding human rights in Egypt.
A collective of UN-associated human rights experts has issued a call for the immediate release of Alaa Abdel Fattah, a jailed Egyptian-British activist. This demand has intensified due to growing concerns for the well-being of his mother, Laila Soueif, who has been on a hunger strike for nearly five months in protest of her son’s incarceration. Ms. Soueif’s health has severely declined, necessitating hospitalization in London after she experienced dangerously low blood-sugar levels.
Alaa Abdel Fattah, a prominent figure during Egypt’s 2011 revolution and a staunch critic of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, has spent the majority of the past fourteen years in either police detention or prison on charges deemed by activists to be unjust and politically motivated. Egyptian officials initially indicated that he would be released after completing a five-year sentence in September; however, they have recently announced that he will remain incarcerated until 2027.
The UN experts stated, “We urge the Egyptian authorities to release Mr. El-Fattah immediately given the arbitrary and unlawful nature of his detention and the deteriorating health of his mother.” The pressing situation surrounding Ms. Soueif has raised alarms, with St. Thomas’ hospital warning of an “immediate risk to life” if she continues her hunger strike without nourishment.
United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Foreign Secretary David Lammy have advocated for Mr. Abdel Fattah’s case with the Egyptian government, yet they have been unable to secure even consular access. Starmer recently met with the family, emphasizing his commitment to attaining Mr. Abdel Fattah’s release.
The UN experts further revealed, “Mr. El-Fattah remains in prison despite having completed his most recent sentence on 29 September 2024 because Egyptian authorities refuse to acknowledge the time he spent in pre-trial detention.” They called upon Egypt to cease its harsh repression of free expression and abide by its international human rights obligations. This incident comes amid speculation that the Egyptian government may consider pardoning political prisoners in advance of Ramadan.
The urgent appeal from UN rights experts for the release of Alaa Abdel Fattah highlights significant concerns over human rights violations in Egypt. His mother’s deteriorating health due to her hunger strike emphasizes the severity of the situation. Prominent officials from the UK are advocating for action, yet the Egyptian government maintains its course, highlighting ongoing tensions regarding freedom of expression and legal justice.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
