Egypt's President Sisi Pardons Egyptian-British Activist Alaa Abd El-Fattah

 

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has pardoned Alaa Abd el-Fattah, a prominent Egyptian-British activist, after years of imprisonment and international pressure. Abd el-Fattah, 43, was sentenced to 15 years in prison for protesting without permission in 2014, later reduced to five years. He was released in 2019 but arrested again for spreading fake news and sentenced to another five-year term. His mother, Laila Soueif, staged a lengthy hunger strike in Britain, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer promised to secure his release .

Abd el-Fattah's detention sparked widespread campaigns, including during the COP27 climate summit in Egypt in 2022. His name was removed from Egypt's "terrorism" list months before the pardon. The activist has staged multiple hunger strikes in detention, most recently in early September .

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Abd el-Fattah's release is seen as a significant development in human rights advocacy. His family, including his mother Laila Soueif, a well-known activist, had been campaigning tirelessly for his release. 

The pardon highlights the power of international pressure and advocacy in securing the release of political prisoners.

Abd el-Fattah's case has drawn attention to Egypt's human rights record and the treatment of dissidents under President Sisi's rule. His release is a victory for human rights advocates worldwide .

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