As the mother of British-Egyptian political prisoner Alaa Abdel Fattah, Laila Soueif, 69, is determined to continue her hunger strike, challenging government action on behalf of her son.
Mother’s Hunger Strike for Jailed Activist Son Risks Life Amid Political Turmoil
Mother’s Hunger Strike for Jailed Activist Son Risks Life Amid Political Turmoil
Laila Soueif remains resolute in her hunger strike despite severe health risks, highlighting the plight of political prisoners in Egypt.
In a harrowing battle that has entered its eighth month, Laila Soueif has faced unprecedented health risks while campaigning for the release of her son, Alaa Abdel Fattah, who has become a symbol of political repression in Egypt. Despite doctors warning her of potential death due to prolonged fasting, the 69-year-old British-Egyptian mathematics professor has expressed her unwavering commitment to her cause during her hospitalization at St Thomas' hospital in London.
Laila resumed her hunger strike in May 2024, fueled by frustration after the Egyptian government disregarded her son's time spent in pre-trial detention, thus extending his sentence. Alaa, a vocal figure in the 2011 pro-democracy protests in Egypt, has faced relentless legal battles and remains imprisoned since 2014 due to a sentence stemming from social media activity.
Her daughter, Sanaa Seif, conveyed her fears as Laila's health declines, stating that they’ve actively spoken about life after her mother’s potential passing, a discussion that weighs heavily on their family. The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention has called for Alaa's release, emphasizing that his imprisonment is a violation of his right to freedom of expression. However, the Egyptian government has yet to facilitate a visit by UK officials to determine Alaa's conditions personally.
As political pressure mounts from UK opposition groups and public appeals for more government intervention, Laila has called on broader international support in her mission. She hopes that her sacrifice will not only spotlight her son's situation but also the plight of political prisoners across Egypt. Responding to the severe state of affairs, Laila expressed: “Use my death as leverage to get Alaa out. Don’t let my death be in vain.”
The UK government has acknowledged the urgency of her son's situation, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer engaging directly with Egyptian leadership to advocate for Alaa's freedom. The road ahead remains fraught with uncertainty as a mother's fight for justice continues against overwhelming odds.
Laila resumed her hunger strike in May 2024, fueled by frustration after the Egyptian government disregarded her son's time spent in pre-trial detention, thus extending his sentence. Alaa, a vocal figure in the 2011 pro-democracy protests in Egypt, has faced relentless legal battles and remains imprisoned since 2014 due to a sentence stemming from social media activity.
Her daughter, Sanaa Seif, conveyed her fears as Laila's health declines, stating that they’ve actively spoken about life after her mother’s potential passing, a discussion that weighs heavily on their family. The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention has called for Alaa's release, emphasizing that his imprisonment is a violation of his right to freedom of expression. However, the Egyptian government has yet to facilitate a visit by UK officials to determine Alaa's conditions personally.
As political pressure mounts from UK opposition groups and public appeals for more government intervention, Laila has called on broader international support in her mission. She hopes that her sacrifice will not only spotlight her son's situation but also the plight of political prisoners across Egypt. Responding to the severe state of affairs, Laila expressed: “Use my death as leverage to get Alaa out. Don’t let my death be in vain.”
The UK government has acknowledged the urgency of her son's situation, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer engaging directly with Egyptian leadership to advocate for Alaa's freedom. The road ahead remains fraught with uncertainty as a mother's fight for justice continues against overwhelming odds.
