Mother’s Hunger Strike for Imprisoned Activist Alaa Abd El-Fattah Raises Health Concern and Calls for Action

Laila Soueif, mother of imprisoned activist Alaa Abd el-Fattah, has been hospitalized after nearly 150 days of hunger strike. Her health has severely declined, bringing attention to her son’s unjust detention. A coalition of human rights organizations is calling on UK officials to advocate for Alaa’s release at the UN Human Rights Council session in Geneva.

Laila Soueif, mother of imprisoned Egyptian-British activist Alaa Abd el-Fattah, has been hospitalized hours before reaching the 150th day of her hunger strike protesting her son’s detention. At 68 years old, she has lost nearly 30 kilograms since commencing her protest on September 29. Her daughter confirmed that both her blood sugar and blood pressure dropped to dangerously low levels, resulting in Laila’s admission to St. Thomas’ Hospital.

During the hunger strike, Laila has survived solely on herbal tea, black coffee, and rehydration salts, following the Egyptian government’s failure to release her son as scheduled. Laila met with Prime Minister Keir Starmer on February 14, who provided his ‘personal commitment’ to advocate for Alaa’s release. Alaa’s sister, Mona Seif, expressed urgency, stating: “We are running out of time.”

Laila Soueif’s deteriorating health has raised significant concern, with Amnesty International UK’s Chief Executive, Sacha Deshmukh, noting that such circumstances should never have arisen. Following these developments, a coalition of 25 human rights organizations urged UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy to leverage his presence at the UN Human Rights Council to advocate for Alaa Abd el-Fattah’s release.

This coalition’s letter, organized by FairSquare, urges Mr. Lammy to present a strong joint statement condemning Egypt’s repression of dissent, highlighting the arbitrary arrests of thousands, including journalists and peaceful demonstrators. The organizations reiterated their deep concern over the ongoing detention of Alaa Abd el-Fattah, particularly regarding the severe health risks posed to his mother, who has been on hunger strike since last September.

The 58th session of the UN Human Rights Council is currently taking place in Geneva from February 24 to March 4 and presents a critical opportunity for the UK to advocate for human rights and demand urgent action regarding Alaa’s situation.

In summary, the health crisis of Laila Soueif amid her hunger strike underscores the urgent need for action regarding her son Alaa Abd el-Fattah’s unjust imprisonment. The call by various human rights organizations for the UK government to intervene at the United Nations Human Rights Council highlights the imperative for international attention and support for those oppressed in Egypt. Immediate action is necessary to avert further tragedy in this situation.

Original Source: www.amnesty.org