Activist Alaa Abd el-Fattah arrives in UK after release from Egyptian prison
Egyptian-British activist Alaa Abd al-Fattah has arrived in the UK following his release from Egyptian prison following a presidential pardon in September.
His family and Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed the news on Friday.
The 44-year-old, who spent most of his adult life in prison for his activism, has long been considered Egypt’s most high-profile political prisoner.
He stands as a rare symbol of dissent against the sweeping crackdown waged by President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.
His prolonged detention and repeated hunger strikes sparked widespread international calls for his freedom.
Abd el-Fattah obtained British citizenship through his mother Laila Soueif in 2021.
He confirmed his return on Facebook: “Thank God, Alaa arrived safely in London.”
In a longer statement, his family said he flew to the UK from Cairo on Friday after the travel ban was lifted by Egyptian authorities on December 20. The statement said he would soon be reunited with his 14-year-old son Khalid, who lives with his mother in Brighton, southern England.
Starmer said on social media platform
“I want to pay my respects to Alaa’s family and everyone who worked and campaigned for this moment.”
Despite campaigns calling for Abdel Fattah’s release, particularly during the COP27 climate summit Egypt is hosting in 2022, Sisi pardoned him in September this year, instructing authorities to examine his possible pardon. Abdel Fattah’s name was removed from Egypt’s “terrorism” list months ago.
On Friday, Starmer also thanked the president for his decision to grant the pardon.
