Reporters Without Borders (RSF) appeals for the immediate release of Alaa Abdel Fattah, who remains imprisoned despite completing his sentence, while his mother’s health deteriorates due to a hunger strike. International human rights experts also demand his release, emphasizing the lawfulness of his detention. Furthermore, Egypt’s poor ranking on press freedom highlights the ongoing repression of journalists.
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has urgently requested the immediate release of Alaa Abdel Fattah by the Egyptian authorities. Abdel Fattah, a British-Egyptian blogger, has been arbitrarily detained for over a decade. Although he completed his prison sentence on September 29, 2023, officials have yet to release him, citing unrecognized time served in pre-trial detention. His mother’s deteriorating health, as she lies near death in a London hospital, adds to the urgency of the situation.
Laila Soueif, Abdel Fattah’s mother and a mathematics professor, has been on a hunger strike for more than 150 days in a desperate effort to secure her son’s release. Medical professionals have indicated that her life is at significant risk due to the extended duration without sustenance. Despite these dire circumstances, Soueif remains resolute, stating that she will not relent until there is tangible progress regarding her son’s freedom.
“Egypt must free Alaa Abdel Fattah immediately. His mother’s life depends upon it, and his 13-year-old son needs him home… What is urgently needed now is a global push for justice for Alaa. Now is the time to act: Egypt’s disregard for the rule of law and human rights must not be allowed to go on.” – RSF.
United Nations human rights experts have also joined the calls for Abdel Fattah’s release, deeming his detention unlawful. In a statement on February 27, they urged Egypt to cease its crackdown on freedom of expression and uphold its obligations under international human rights law. While UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has pledged his support for Abdel Fattah’s release, tangible results remain elusive.
In the context of press freedom, Egypt is currently ranked 170 out of 180 in the RSF 2024 World Press Freedom Index. The country has witnessed severe measures against journalism, involving censorship, police raids, arbitrary arrests, and enforced disappearances, with at least 20 journalists imprisoned, including Abdel Fattah.
In conclusion, the situation surrounding Alaa Abdel Fattah remains critical as calls for his release escalate. The dire condition of his mother, Laila Soueif, further intensifies the urgency of the matter. Both international and local advocates, including UN human rights experts, stress the need for action to uphold justice and human rights in Egypt. The ongoing arbitrary detention of journalists exemplifies a troubling trend that warrants immediate global attention.
Original Source: rsf.org
