Nobel Laureates Advocate for the Release of Alaa Abdel Fattah in Egypt

A group of Nobel Prize winners and activists has urged Egyptian President al-Sisi to release activist Alaa Abdel Fattah. Fifty individuals, including notable laureates, signed an appeal emphasizing justice and compassion. Laila Soueif, Abdel Fattah’s mother, is on a hunger strike demanding his release. Abdel Fattah, imprisoned for spreading alleged false news, remains a significant figure in Egypt’s political history, and discussions about his release are ongoing.

A coalition of Nobel Prize laureates and prominent activists has formally appealed to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to release Alaa Abdel Fattah, a British-Egyptian activist. Among the fifty signatories are notable figures such as Narges Mohammadi, Orhan Pamuk, and Arundhati Roy, expressing solidarity for Abdel Fattah’s plight. This appeal also highlights the ongoing hunger strike of his mother, Laila Soueif, who has been fasting for 156 days in protest of her son’s detention.

The letter from these esteemed individuals asserts that a presidential pardon would not only serve as justice but would also be a compassionate act towards a family in distress. It poignantly conveys the hope of historical reconciliation, emphasizing a reunion between Abdel Fattah and his family. The message calls for his release, envisioning a moment of joy rather than tragedy.

Alaa Abdel Fattah has been a significant figure in Egypt’s political landscape, particularly known for his role in the 2011 protests leading to the ousting of President Hosni Mubarak. He was imprisoned in 2019 under allegations of “spreading false news” related to reports of torture within Egyptian prisons.

Currently, his mother remains hospitalized in London due to severe health issues stemming from her prolonged hunger strike, which began since Abdel Fattah’s expected release in September. Despite her condition, she has shown a degree of optimism regarding her son’s situation following discussions between UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and President Sisi.

Egypt’s presidential pardons committee has become active again, having granted amnesty to several political prisoners. This body is anticipated to consider Abdel Fattah’s case, which could pave the way for his potential release, providing a glimmer of hope for his family and supporters.

In summary, a collective of esteemed Nobel laureates and activists have urgently called on President al-Sisi of Egypt to release Alaa Abdel Fattah, emphasizing the importance of clemency and reunification for the family. The ongoing hunger strike by his mother adds urgency to the situation. With some political prisoners receiving amnesty, there remains hope for Abdel Fattah’s imminent release, reflecting a wider movement for human rights and justice in the region.

Original Source: newscentral.africa