Laila Soueif, a 69-year-old maths professor, has been on a hunger strike for eight months, pushing her body to the edge while demanding freedom for her son, Alaa Abdel Fattah, a prominent political prisoner in Egypt. Her health has deteriorated alarmingly, yet her resolve remains unshakeable as she calls on UK officials to intervene. Despite being hospitalized, she is prepared for the worst, emphasizing the urgency and weight of her cause.
**Desperate Hunger Strike: British-Egyptian Activist's Mother Risks Life for Son’s Freedom**
**Desperate Hunger Strike: British-Egyptian Activist's Mother Risks Life for Son’s Freedom**
Laila Soueif, the mother of imprisoned activist Alaa Abdel Fattah, continues her hunger strike in a critical state, calling on the UK government to act swiftly for her son's release.
Laila Soueif, the mother of Alaa Abdel Fattah, remains steadfast in her hunger strike despite grave health risks after eight months without proper nutrition. Currently in a London hospital, she is fighting not only for her son’s freedom from an unjust sentence but also to highlight the plight of political prisoners in Egypt.
Alaa Abdel Fattah, a British-Egyptian activist, has faced imprisonment since 2014, with his most recent sentence stemming from a social media post condemning torture. Following months of inaction, Laila began her hunger strike in September 2024, demanding the UK government press Egyptian authorities for his release. After a temporary concession allowing minimal caloric intake, she reverted to a full hunger strike, stating that meaningful action had yet to materialize.
In her deteriorating state, Laila has been hospitalized multiple times. Despite receiving medical care, including intravenous electrolytes, she refuses glucose treatments, and her family reports dangerously low glucose levels. Her daughter, Sanaa Seif, expressed deep fears over her mother's fragile condition while acknowledging the attention their situation has brought to political prisoners in Egypt.
The UN has condemned the arbitrary detention of Alaa, highlighting his wrongful imprisonment as a violation of human rights. Laila’s fight has garnered support from various UK political figures, yet tensions persist as Egyptian authorities maintain strict control over him, denying UK embassy access.
Laila's refusal to back down sends a stark message about the severity of political repression in Egypt. With hopes tied closely to her actions, she stated, "Use my death as leverage to get Alaa out," a powerful testament to the lengths she is willing to go for her son's freedom and a rallying cry for global human rights advocates.
Alaa Abdel Fattah, a British-Egyptian activist, has faced imprisonment since 2014, with his most recent sentence stemming from a social media post condemning torture. Following months of inaction, Laila began her hunger strike in September 2024, demanding the UK government press Egyptian authorities for his release. After a temporary concession allowing minimal caloric intake, she reverted to a full hunger strike, stating that meaningful action had yet to materialize.
In her deteriorating state, Laila has been hospitalized multiple times. Despite receiving medical care, including intravenous electrolytes, she refuses glucose treatments, and her family reports dangerously low glucose levels. Her daughter, Sanaa Seif, expressed deep fears over her mother's fragile condition while acknowledging the attention their situation has brought to political prisoners in Egypt.
The UN has condemned the arbitrary detention of Alaa, highlighting his wrongful imprisonment as a violation of human rights. Laila’s fight has garnered support from various UK political figures, yet tensions persist as Egyptian authorities maintain strict control over him, denying UK embassy access.
Laila's refusal to back down sends a stark message about the severity of political repression in Egypt. With hopes tied closely to her actions, she stated, "Use my death as leverage to get Alaa out," a powerful testament to the lengths she is willing to go for her son's freedom and a rallying cry for global human rights advocates.
