HuMENA for Human Rights and Civic Engagement urgently demands the release of Egyptian-British activist Alaa Abdelfatah, whose unjust imprisonment has been extended despite completing his sentence. Alaa’s mother, Laila Soueif, has begun a hunger strike in protest, refusing to eat until her son is freed. Alaa, a symbol of Egypt’s revolution and ongoing struggle for human rights, has endured years of wrongful detention for his activism, with his sentence recently extended by an additional two years.
Alaa was initially sentenced to five years for “spreading false news,” a charge widely recognized as politically motivated. After serving his sentence, Egyptian authorities have illegally extended his detention to 2027, sparking outrage among human rights defenders globally. The international community, including governments and organizations, has consistently called for his release, but the Egyptian regime has remained defiant.
The plight of Alaa Abdelfatah has put a spotlight on Egypt’s systematic repression of dissent, which includes the detention of tens of thousands of political prisoners, torture, and forced disappearances. Alaa’s case is not isolated but represents the broader authoritarian tactics used by Egypt to silence its critics.
“We cannot allow Egypt to continue these blatant violations of human rights. Alaa’s imprisonment, despite completing his sentence, is yet another tactic to break the will of a human rights defender and his family. We stand firmly with Alaa and his family, particularly his mother, Laila Soueif, who has shown immense courage by starting a hunger strike,”
Said Mostafa Fouad, Executive Director of HuMENA.
HuMENA is particularly concerned about Alaa’s deteriorating health, which has been compounded by his previous hunger strikes in protest of his detention conditions. His family, including his sister, Sanaa Seif, has consistently raised alarms about the toll this prolonged detention has taken on him physically and mentally.
The British government’s involvement has been inadequate, with calls to secure Alaa’s release largely unanswered by the Egyptian authorities. Prominent figures like MP David Lammy have expressed frustration over the lack of diplomatic progress, urging the UK government to take more assertive actions to secure the release of its citizens.
HuMENA calls on the international community, particularly human rights organizations, civil society, and governments, to increase pressure on Egypt. The situation is dire, and Alaa’s health and life are at risk. The global call for his release must be louder, and Egypt must be held accountable for its human rights abuses.
In solidarity with Alaa’s family and other political prisoners, HuMENA urges immediate international action to ensure Alaa’s freedom and to push back against Egypt’s increasing use of repressive measures to silence activists.
Alaa has already paid a steep price for his commitment to justice, and it is time for his suffering to end with his release, not more years behind bars.
