The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Keir Starmer, has reiterated his commitment to the cause of Alaa Abd El Fattah, an activist and British citizen currently imprisoned in Egypt. During a conversation on February 14 with Laila Soueif, Alaa’s mother, Starmer pledged to do everything possible to secure his release. However, Laila has demanded more concrete actions, calling on Starmer to establish a direct dialogue with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.
Since taking office, Starmer has written two letters to El Sisi, one in December and one in January, in addition to his national security advisor, Jonathan Powell, meeting with Egyptian authorities in Cairo on January 2. Despite these efforts, there have been no reports of substantial progress in negotiations between the UK and Egypt.
Laila Soueif, who has been on a hunger strike since the expected release of her son in September, has been hospitalized due to concerns about her health, after experiencing a drastic drop in her blood sugar levels. Despite a warning from a National Health Service doctor about her serious condition, Laila remains steadfast in her decision not to eat until her son is released.
Mona Seif, Alaa’s sister, has stated that Laila’s only wish is to see her son leave prison, especially after already serving a five-year sentence, adding to the 11 years they have been separated due to repression. As a British citizen, Alaa should receive more than just promises from his government, argue his family.
The situation has led several non-governmental organizations to demand a stronger response from the British government, calling for changes in the Foreign Office’s travel advice to reflect the lack of assurances for consular access for citizens arrested in Egypt. They have also proposed a joint meeting of ministers and officials to develop a unified strategy regarding Alaa’s case.
Furthermore, it has been suggested to sanction the Egyptian ambassador in London by restricting his access to British authorities if Alaa is not released, as well as announcing a moratorium on any government assistance or promotion of new investments in Egypt, as requested in a letter signed by 15 organizations in November.
Human rights groups have intensified pressure on Prime Minister Starmer, urging him to call President Sisi directly to ensure Alaa’s release and save Laila’s life before it’s too late.
via: MiMub in Spanish
