British-Egyptian activist arrives in UK after travel ban lifted

British-Egyptian writer and pro-democracy activist Alaa Abdel Fattah has arrived in the UK after a travel ban imposed by Egyptian authorities was lifted.

He was released from prison in September after spending more than a decade of his life behind bars.

His latest prison sentence came after he was found guilty of “spreading fake news” when he shared a Facebook post about torture in the country.

For Alaa Abdel Fattah and his family, this is a new beginning after years of separation and pain. His mother, Laila Soueif, nearly died twice while on hunger strike trying to get him released.

The most prominent of Egypt’s many political prisoners, he was pardoned by President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi in September but was then not allowed to leave the country.

The actor, who has now been removed from the travel ban list, flew to England to reunite with his 14-year-old son, who lives in Brighton.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer stated that he was satisfied in his letter to X and said that Alaa Abdel Fattah’s case was one of the most important priorities for the government.

His sister Mona said hundreds of people around the world helped make this moment happen and now the family can finally begin to heal.

Speaking to the BBC from Cairo in October after his release, he had said: “I’m learning how to get back into life.”

“I’m in much better shape than I expected. Much better than most people expected,” he added.

His release in September came after a long campaign by his family – supported by celebrities such as actors Judi Dench and Olivia Colman – and lobbying by the British government.