News|Human RightsKeir Starmer says Egyptian-British activist Alaa Abd El-Fattah back in UKUK PM calls arrival of blogger and Egyptian government critic, who spent 12 years in prison, ‘profound relief’.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced the return of Egyptian-British activist and blogger Alaa Abd El-Fattah to the United Kingdom after nearly 12 years as a political prisoner in Egypt.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced the return of Egyptian-British activist and blogger Alaa Abd El-Fattah to the United Kingdom after nearly 12 years as a political prisoner in Egypt.
Abd El-Fattah was pardoned by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi in September. His case was a priority for the British government, and there was gratitude expressed towards President Sisi for the decision to grant the pardon.
The activist was initially jailed in 2011 during Egypt’s uprising against former leader Hosni Mubarak. He emerged as a critic of el-Sisi, who came to power in a military coup in 2013. Abd El-Fattah was sentenced to 15 years in prison in 2014 for spreading false news. He was temporarily released in 2019, only to receive another five-year sentence the same year.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced the return of Egyptian-British activist and blogger Alaa Abd El-Fattah to the United Kingdom after nearly 12 years as a political prisoner in Egypt.
Following his release, Abd El-Fattah faced a travel ban. However, he announced his departure from Egypt on Friday. The British government had previously expressed concern over his imprisonment and advocated for his release.
Abd El-Fattah's mother, Laila Soueif, confirmed his safe arrival in London via a social media post.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.
