As Laila Soueif battles declining health after months of hunger striking, her resolve remains steadfast in seeking justice for her imprisoned son. The plight highlights ongoing demands for human rights reforms in Egypt.**
British-Egyptian Activist's Mother's Hunger Strike Intensifies Amid Urgent Plea for Son's Release**
British-Egyptian Activist's Mother's Hunger Strike Intensifies Amid Urgent Plea for Son's Release**
Despite severe health risks, Laila Soueif continues her hunger strike demanding the release of her son, Alaa Abdel Fattah, Egypt's notable political prisoner.**
Amid the ongoing struggle for political freedom in Egypt, 69-year-old Laila Soueif continues her hunger strike from a London hospital, determined to secure the release of her son Alaa Abdel Fattah, one of the country’s most prominent political prisoners. In the fight for her son's freedom, Laila faces alarming health risks, having been on a hunger strike for eight months. Doctors warn that her condition is critical, with imminent risks of death, yet her perseverance remains unwavering.
Speaking from St Thomas’ hospital, Laila conveyed her heartfelt desire to live while emphasizing she is willing to sacrifice her life for her son’s release. Alaa Abdel Fattah, a dual British-Egyptian national, has been imprisoned since 2014, enduring harsh conditions that include a controversial five-year sentence handed down for a social media post addressing human rights abuses.
The hunger strike commenced in September 2024, coinciding with Alaa's scheduled release, which the Egyptian authorities have since dismissed by not counting his extensive pre-trial detention as time served. Laila highlights the injustice, stating that Alaa's case represents a far-reaching issue of political oppression in Egypt. "He should have been free on September 29," she asserted, criticizing the legal proceedings against him as a "kangaroo court."
Laila's health deteriorated significantly after consuming just herbal tea and coffee for months, and despite temporarily agreeing to a minimal caloric intake, she resumed her hunger strike in May after noting no substantial progress in negotiations with authorities. Her current medical condition includes low glucose levels, raising alarms among her family, particularly her daughter Sanaa, who fears for her mother’s life.
The plight of Alaa Abdel Fattah has garnered international attention, leading to appeals from human rights organizations, members of the UK Parliament, and former ambassadors, urging the British government to apply more pressure on Egypt for his release. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has engaged with Egyptian President Sisi, highlighting the urgent need for action.
Sanaa Seif, Laila’s daughter, reflects on her mother’s bravery and the broader implications of their struggle for justice, stressing that the situation extends beyond their family. She expresses frustration towards the UK government for lacking adequate response measures to secure her brother's release, which has become emblematic of widespread political repression in Egypt.
"If my mother does not survive, I want her death to count for something," Laila stated resolutely. She urges that her experiences serve as leverage in the continued fight for human rights and the release of political prisoners in Egypt. As the world watches, the situation remains precarious, underscoring the ongoing battle for justice and freedom amidst deep-rooted political turmoil.
