Reporters Without Borders (RSF) calls for the immediate release of Alaa Abdel Fattah, a detained British-Egyptian blogger whose sentence ended over 150 days ago. His mother is on a life-threatening hunger strike to demand his freedom, while the UK government’s efforts have yielded little result. Egypt’s poor ranking in press freedom highlights ongoing issues with human rights violations.
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) urges the Egyptian authorities to immediately release Alaa Abdel Fattah, a British-Egyptian blogger who completed his prison sentence over 150 days ago yet remains incarcerated. His refusal to acknowledge prior pre-trial detention time has led to his continuous detention, even as his mother faces a critical health crisis in London.
Abdel Fattah has suffered arbitrary detention in Egypt for over a decade, with his most recent sentence linked to a Facebook post. Despite completing his sentence on September 29, the authorities have failed to release him. His mother, Laila Soueif, now on a hunger strike lasting nearly six months, has declared she will persist until she sees tangible efforts for her son’s freedom.
“Egypt must free Alaa Abdel Fattah immediately. His mother’s life depends upon it, and his 13-year-old son needs him home…Now is the time to act: Egypt’s disregard for the rule of law and human rights must not be allowed to go on.” – Reporters Without Borders.
United Nations human rights experts have similarly urged for Abdel Fattah’s release, branding his detention unlawful and calling for an end to Egypt’s aggressive crackdown on free speech in a joint statement.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has vowed to secure Abdel Fattah’s release but has yet to provide substantial outcomes. Meanwhile, Mrs. Soueif has lost significant weight owing to her prolonged hunger strike and was hospitalized due to health complications.
Egypt ranks 170 out of 180 in the RSF’s 2024 World Press Freedom Index, reflecting severe conditions including censorship, police raids, and arbitrary detentions. Currently, 20 journalists, including Abdel Fattah, are imprisoned in Egypt.
In light of ongoing human rights violations, RSF and UN experts call for Alaa Abdel Fattah’s immediate release as his health and family situation deteriorate. The response from the UK government has been insufficient, raising concerns over international adherence to human rights obligations. The case highlights the urgent need to address the dire state of freedom of expression in Egypt.
Original Source: rsf.org
