Reporters Without Borders (RSF) urges Egypt to release Alaa Abdel Fattah, whose mother is critically ill. Abdel Fattah, imprisoned for over a decade, finished his latest sentence on September 29 but remains detained. His mother has been on hunger strike for nearly six months. UN experts and UK Prime Minister Starmer have echoed calls for his release amid concerns over human rights violations in Egypt.
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has urgently called upon the Egyptian authorities to release Alaa Abdel Fattah without delay. Over 150 days have passed since the British-Egyptian blogger completed his prison sentence, and with his mother critically ill in a London hospital, immediate action is needed. Abdel Fattah has faced arbitrary detention in Egypt for over a decade, his most recent sentence for a Facebook post ending on September 29 without his release due to a refusal to acknowledge pre-trial detention time.
In a desperate effort to secure her son’s freedom, his mother, Laila Soueif, a mathematics professor, has been on hunger strike for nearly six months, risking her life. Her health deteriorates rapidly; doctors indicate she could succumb at any moment. Soueif has vowed to continue until there is tangible progress in her son’s case. “Egypt must free Alaa Abdel Fattah immediately. His mother’s life depends upon it, and his 13-year-old son needs him home,” emphasized RSF, highlighting the family’s dire situation.
UN human rights experts have also demanded Abdel Fattah’s immediate release, condemning the unlawful nature of his detention. In a statement dated February 27, they called on Egypt to cease its severe repression of freedom of expression and to comply with international human rights obligations. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has pledged to exert all efforts towards securing Abdel Fattah’s release, though no significant outcomes have yet been realized.
The situation of Laila Soueif deteriorated significantly; she has lost approximately 35% of her body weight and was hospitalized in late February after spiraling blood sugar levels posed a dangerous threat to her health. As Egypt’s ranking of 170 out of 180 in the RSF 2024 World Press Freedom Index illustrates, the country exhibits systematic abuses, including censorship, police raids, unlawful arrests, and arbitrary detentions. Alarmingly, there are currently 20 journalists imprisoned in Egypt, including Abdel Fattah.
In summary, the pressing demand for Alaa Abdel Fattah’s release exemplifies the ongoing struggle for human rights and freedom of expression in Egypt. The deteriorating health of his mother underscores the urgent need for immediate action from authorities. Amidst international pressure and public outcry, it is essential for Egypt to adhere to the rule of law and rectify the injustices faced by Abdel Fattah and others detained under similar circumstances.
Original Source: rsf.org