Alaa Abd El-Fattah: A Symbol of Hope as Egypt's President Grants Pardon

Fri Oct 24 2025 15:38:14 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In a significant move, Egyptian President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi has pardoned prominent British-Egyptian activist Alaa Abd El-Fattah, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing struggle for human rights in Egypt.

Egypt's President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi has pardoned Alaa Abd El-Fattah, a notable activist imprisoned for six years. Convicted in 2021 for communicating 'false news,' Abd El-Fattah had been a prominent figure in Egypt's pro-democracy movement. His release comes amid renewed calls for human rights and the commutation of sentences for political prisoners. Following his mother’s hunger strikes, this development has sparked hope for reform and accountability within the Egyptian justice system.

In a landmark decision, Egyptian President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi has granted a pardon to Alaa Abd El-Fattah, a prominent British-Egyptian activist who has spent six years in prison. This decision, confirmed by state media and Abd El-Fattah's lawyer, comes as part of a broader initiative to address human rights concerns in the country.

Alaa Abd El-Fattah, aged 43, is widely recognized as a key political prisoner in Egypt. His imprisonment was marked by a 2021 conviction for 'spreading false news' related to a Facebook post on allegations of torture within the country. This legal battle began shortly after he completed a previous five-year sentence in 2019.

News of his pardon was celebrated by his legal team, as the activist's lawyer expressed gratitude for the decision on social media, stating, 'Praise be to God.' Abd El-Fattah was among six individuals whose sentences were reduced following a request from the National Council for Human Rights.

Prior to his release, Abd El-Fattah was expected to serve until September 2024, but his time in pre-trial detention had not been considered by Egyptian authorities. His prolonged imprisonment and the circumstances surrounding it, including his mother Laila Soueif’s hunger strike in protest of his treatment, have drawn significant international attention and condemnation.

The pardon has ignited hope among activists and human rights advocates for potential reforms in Egypt’s justice system, raising questions about the future of political dissent and freedom of expression under the current regime.