Urgent Call for Immediate Release of Alaa Abdel Fattah by RSF

Reporters Without Borders calls for the immediate release of Alaa Abdel Fattah, a British-Egyptian blogger detained for over a decade. With his mother ill and on a hunger strike, RSF highlights the urgent need for action. UN experts and UK Prime Minister Starmer also support efforts to secure his release, amid Egypt’s poor human rights record.

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) urges the Egyptian government to immediately release Alaa Abdel Fattah, a British-Egyptian blogger who has been arbitrarily detained for over a decade. His imprisonment persists despite the completion of his latest sentence on September 29, following a conviction for sharing a Facebook post. With his mother gravely ill, RSF emphasizes that Abdel Fattah’s release is urgent and critical.

Alaa Abdel Fattah’s mother, Laila Soueif, is currently on a hunger strike in a desperate effort to secure her son’s freedom, having reportedly lost about 35% of her body weight due to the ongoing protest. Her health is deteriorating rapidly, and medical professionals warn that she may perish if there is no significant progress towards her son’s release. She remains resolute in her demands for justice, refusing to relent until meaningful action is taken.

The international community has echoed calls for Abdel Fattah’s release. UN human rights experts labeled his detention unlawful and underscored the need for Egypt to respect obligations under international human rights law. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has committed his support for Abdel Fattah’s cause, although tangible results have yet to materialize.

Moreover, Egypt’s standing on the World Press Freedom Index is alarming, currently ranking 170 out of 180 nations due to widespread censorship and detention of journalists. This environment has resulted in approximately 20 journalists being imprisoned, further underscoring the need for reform within Egypt’s treatment of freedom of expression.

RSF’s call for the immediate release of Alaa Abdel Fattah reflects the urgent humanitarian crisis affecting his family, particularly his mother’s declining health due to prolonged hunger strike. The international community, including the UK government and UN human rights experts, continue to advocate for his freedom. The situation highlights the critical need for Egypt to uphold human rights and the rule of law.

Original Source: rsf.org