In an emotional plea for her son's freedom, Laila Soueif endures a life-threatening hunger strike, tenaciously calling for the release of Alaa Abdel Fattah, Egypt's well-known political prisoner.
Mother of Jailed Activist Vows to Press On with Hunger Strike Amid Deteriorating Health
Mother of Jailed Activist Vows to Press On with Hunger Strike Amid Deteriorating Health
Alaa Abdel Fattah's mother insists she won't back down despite grave risks as she seeks aid from the UK government.
Despite alarming warnings from doctors about her deteriorating health after eight months without food, the 69-year-old British-Egyptian mathematics professor remains unwavering in her goal. Speaking from St Thomas' Hospital in London, Laila expressed her desperation: She believes her condition is a necessary sacrifice to advocate for her son, emphasized by the current government and diplomatic pressures surrounding Alaa’s extended imprisonment.
Alaa, who holds dual British-Egyptian citizenship, has been behind bars for nearly a decade following a series of sentences that critics describe as unjust. His most recent conviction stemmed from a post on social media concerning a fellow prisoner who was tortured to death. Since resuming her hunger strike in May, Laila has consumed only minimal liquid nourishment, previously agreeing to consume some calories due to governmental interactions that led her to expect potential progress.
The UN and several human rights advocates have condemned Alaa’s detention; however, Egyptian authorities have not permitted diplomatic access from the British embassy, limiting the UK's intervention. International pressure has steadily increased, with family appeals echoing through parliamentary channels, emphasizing Laila's deteriorating health and calling for more robust action from Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and allies.
Laila's daughter, Sanaa, shared her distressing realization of her mother’s condition and expressed both pride and fear, urging that time was of the essence. Echoing her sentiments, Sanaa also condemned the slow pace of governmental response, highlighting their ongoing fight for freedom against the grim backdrop of human rights abuses faced by thousands in Egypt.
As Laila contemplates the possibility of her own death, her message to the world is clear: “Use my death as leverage to get Alaa out.”
Alaa, who holds dual British-Egyptian citizenship, has been behind bars for nearly a decade following a series of sentences that critics describe as unjust. His most recent conviction stemmed from a post on social media concerning a fellow prisoner who was tortured to death. Since resuming her hunger strike in May, Laila has consumed only minimal liquid nourishment, previously agreeing to consume some calories due to governmental interactions that led her to expect potential progress.
The UN and several human rights advocates have condemned Alaa’s detention; however, Egyptian authorities have not permitted diplomatic access from the British embassy, limiting the UK's intervention. International pressure has steadily increased, with family appeals echoing through parliamentary channels, emphasizing Laila's deteriorating health and calling for more robust action from Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and allies.
Laila's daughter, Sanaa, shared her distressing realization of her mother’s condition and expressed both pride and fear, urging that time was of the essence. Echoing her sentiments, Sanaa also condemned the slow pace of governmental response, highlighting their ongoing fight for freedom against the grim backdrop of human rights abuses faced by thousands in Egypt.
As Laila contemplates the possibility of her own death, her message to the world is clear: “Use my death as leverage to get Alaa out.”
