In brief
Laila Soueif, a 69-year-old maths professor, remains steadfast on her hunger strike, risking her life to secure the release of her son, Alaa Abdel Fattah, Egypt's most prominent political prisoner. Despite severe health risks after months without solid food, she calls for urgent action from the UK government.
Laila Soueif, a 69-year-old British-Egyptian mathematics professor, remains resolute in her hunger strike despite doctors warning her of the life-threatening consequences after eight months of refusing food. Speaking from a London hospital, she expressed her deep desire to survive but remains prepared to give her life as a last resort to secure the freedom of her son, Alaa Abdel Fattah—regarded as Egypt’s leading political prisoner.Soueif became increasingly distressed following the Egyptian authorities’ refusal to count the time her son spent in pre-trial detention towards his five-year sentence, deeming it an unjustified extension in custody. Alaa Abdel Fattah, a dual national, has spent nearly a decade in prison due to his pro-democracy advocacy following the 2011 protests. His most recent sentencing stemmed from a Facebook post regarding a fellow prisoner’s death due to alleged torture during detention.In September 2024, when Abdel Fattah’s sentence should have concluded, Laila initiated her hunger strike. Her determination surged as she asserts, "He finished his sentence for God's sake. It was an unfair sentence rendered by a kangaroo court." Since the hunger strike's commencement, Laila's health has severely deteriorated, and she was recently hospitalized after agreeing to consume minimal liquid calories. However, she resumed her full hunger strike when no significant progress in her son’s case was made.As a result of the hunger strike, her family reports dangerously low glucose levels and increasingly frail health. Her daughter, Sanaa Seif, described her mother’s condition as alarming—her mother frequently discusses her farewells, instilling fear and concern among family members.Despite efforts from the international community, including calls for the activist’s release by the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, the Egyptian government, an ally of the UK, has continued to limit contact with Abdel Fattah and denied requests for consular access. British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has urged Egyptian President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi to facilitate Abdel Fattah's release, asserting continued diplomatic dialogue. The urgency surrounding this matter has prompted various UK MPs to join calls advocating for increased pressure on Egypt. Sanaa noted her pride in her mother's activism and emphasized the risk of loss, criticizing the stagnation in government response to their appeals.In a heart-wrenching message, Laila Soueif conveyed her hope that if she does not survive her struggle, her death can catalyze further efforts to free her son, declaring, "Don't let my death be in vain." The ongoing plight highlights not only the challenges faced by political prisoners in Egypt but also raises concern about the treatment of British nationals detained abroad.
