Leaders and public figures have urged Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi to grant clemency to writer Alaa Abdel-Fattah, who has spent nearly a decade in prison. His mother, Professor Laila Soueif, is on a hunger strike in protest. The appeal emphasizes President Sisi’s capacity to alleviate their suffering through a pardon, highlighting its importance for justice and compassion to prevail during Ramadan.
A coalition of leaders from human rights organizations and notable public figures has formally petitioned Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, beseeching him to grant clemency to Alaa Abdel-Fattah. The Egyptian-British writer has endured nearly a decade in imprisonment, now facing an additional two years despite legal grounds for his release due to significant time spent in pre-trial detention.
Alaa’s mother, Professor Laila Soueif, a well-respected academic, has resorted to a hunger strike lasting over 150 days as an act of desperation to protect her son and safeguard her grandson’s future. Unfortunately, this has led to a severe decline in her health, resulting in hospitalization and warnings from doctors about the imminent risk she faces from her continued fasting.
The appeal highlights the President’s unique position to alleviate this suffering, suggesting that a presidential pardon under Article 155 of the Constitution would reunite mother and son while demonstrating a commitment to justice and compassion. During a period of regional instability, such an act of clemency would signal the leadership’s attentiveness to the needs of its citizens, serving as a demonstration of both strength and mercy.
The petition is not exclusively from Alaa’s family but has garnered support from a wide array of Egyptian politicians, women’s groups, and the international community, all advocating for a decision that is rooted in humanitarian principles and the rule of law. The world is closely observing, emphasizing that history will remember this moment as an act of humanity, rather than a tragedy.
As families in Egypt traditionally gather for iftar during Ramadan, Laila Soueif continues her hunger strike, fueled by the hope of reuniting with her son. The letter expresses that granting a presidential pardon is not merely an act of justice but a profound act of humanity. It concludes by advocating for a future where Alaa is free to share a meal with his family during Ramadan, reinstating the bonds that have been strained by years of confinement.
This call for clemency emphasizes the moral imperative for Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi to grant a presidential pardon to Alaa Abdel-Fattah. By doing so, it would not only reunite a mother and her son but also illustrate a commitment to justice, compassion, and the welfare of citizens. The international community and numerous Egyptian voices urge this humanitarian action, advocating for dignity and respect for human rights in Egypt.
Original Source: www.miragenews.com
