Keir Starmer says Egyptian-British activist Alaa Abd El-Fattah back in UK

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that Egyptian-British activist and blogger Alaa Abd El-Fattah has returned to the United Kingdom after nearly 12 years of detention in Egypt. The pardon granted by President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi in September marked a significant development in Abd El-Fattah’s case.

Starmer expressed gratitude for the pardon, stating that it was “profound relief” for his government and the family of Alaa Abd El-Fattah. He also acknowledged the efforts of those who campaigned for Abd El-Fattah’s release, including international groups and leaders.

Abd El-Fattah had been imprisoned in Egypt since 2011, during the country’s uprising against former leader Hosni Mubarak. He later emerged as a vocal critic of el-Sisi, who seized power in a military coup in 2013. Abd El-Fattah was sentenced to 15 years in prison on charges of spreading false news before being temporarily released in 2019 and given another five-year sentence the same year.

Following his release from prison, Abd El-Fattah faced a travel ban. However, he announced his departure from Egypt earlier this week with a cryptic post on X, stating that “it is possible, kids, that we will say bye.” The British government had previously expressed concern over Abd El-Fattah’s condition in prison and called for his release.

Abd El-Fattah’s mother, Laila Soueif, welcomed her son’s return to the United Kingdom, expressing relief on social media. The Egyptian government has denied holding political prisoners, stating that activists are jailed only for breaking the law.

Source: Al Jazeera