Laila Soueif has been on a hunger strike for 151 days, demanding the release of her son, Alaa Abd El Fattah, a prominent political prisoner in Egypt. Her health has severely declined, leading to hospitalization in London. Ms. Soueif’s actions are a protest against the British government’s inaction regarding her son’s situation and aim to create diplomatic pressure for his release.
Laila Soueif, the mother of Alaa Abd El Fattah, a prominent political prisoner in Egypt, is in a critical condition after 151 days of hunger strike. Having been hospitalized in London, her health has deteriorated due to low blood sugar and blood pressure. Since late September, she has subsisted on water and rehydration salts in an effort to demand her son’s release from a Cairo prison.
Alaa Abd El Fattah, aged 43, was expected to be released last September after completing a five-year sentence. However, when it became evident that his release would not occur, Ms. Soueif, 68, initiated her hunger strike. She believes her actions will create a diplomatic crisis that may compel the British government to intervene due to its ties with Egypt.
Although Ms. Soueif resides in Cairo, she has been spending significant time in Britain during her protest. Despite her critical condition, she has publicly vowed not to relent in her efforts to pressure the UK government into advocating for her son’s freedom. After being admitted to the hospital, her family expressed concern for her life as she continues her advocacy for Alaa’s release.
Laila Soueif’s hunger strike is aimed at securing the release of her son, Alaa Abd El Fattah, who is currently imprisoned in Egypt. Her prolonged fasting has resulted in severe health complications, highlighting the extreme measures she is willing to take to bring attention to her son’s plight. The situation underscores the urgent need for diplomatic action from the UK government.
Original Source: www.nytimes.com
