Alaa Abd El Fattah, a British-Egyptian programmer, blogger, and activist, is currently in the fifth year of a sentence in a maximum security prison near Cairo, where he faces unjust charges for supporting freedom of expression and online privacy for Egyptians and people throughout the Middle East and North Africa region. His situation has drawn the attention of a growing international coalition of supporters demanding his release.
During his time in prison, Abd El Fattah has endured physical abuse and has been in solitary confinement. His family has faced severe restrictions, including denial of visits and contact with him. In a desperate act of protest, he went on a seven-month hunger strike, causing his family to fear for his life. However, thanks to global attention and support from British officials, some improvements in his prison conditions were achieved and family visits were allowed.
Alaa has spent most of the past decade under arrest. He has been investigated and incarcerated under every Egyptian regime in his lifetime, reflecting relentless retaliation for his activism in favor of freedom of expression. For over 20 years, he has used his technical skills to connect programmers and technologists in the Middle East, creating online communities where people can share opinions and express themselves freely. His role during the Egyptian Revolution in Tahrir Square made him a prominent figure during the Arab Spring and, at the same time, a target for repressive regimes that have used anti-terrorism laws to silence critics.
The persecution Alaa faces from Egyptian authorities is a clear abuse of power and a lack of due process. His history of arrests dates back to 2006, and he has faced multiple detentions over the years, culminating in a 2021 conviction to five years in prison for allegedly promoting fake news and belonging to a terrorist organization.
Alaa’s case has resonated internationally, leading to demands for consular access from the British government. David Lammy, the current UK Foreign Secretary, has questioned the diplomatic implications Egypt faces by denying access to a British citizen, highlighting the need for serious consequences if release is not granted.
Although his prison conditions have improved and his rights to family visits have been secured, Alaa remains unjustly imprisoned. With renewed hope following a change in government in the UK, British citizens are encouraged to pressure their representatives to demand his release. Alaa’s situation serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by those who speak out for justice and human rights in a region where such acts are often severely punished. The international community continues to watch and advocate for his release until a definitive change in his situation is achieved.
via: MiMub in Spanish