Mother's Resolve Deepens Amidson Death Threat from Hunger Strike

Laila Soueif, mother of imprisoned activist Alaa Abdel Fattah, remains resolute in her hunger strike campaign for her son's release, even as she faces life-threatening health risks. Her advocacy highlights broader human rights concerns in Egypt and the challenges faced by political prisoners.

Laila Soueif, the 69-year-old British-Egyptian mathematician and mother of prominent political prisoner Alaa Abdel Fattah, is unyielding in her hunger strike, despite grave health warnings from medical professionals. Speaking from St Thomas' hospital in London, Soueif shared that her ongoing fast, now entering its eighth month, has left her body frail and at significant risk of sudden death. Nevertheless, her commitment to advocating for her son's release remains unwavering.

Alaa Abdel Fattah, a dual British-Egyptian national, has been imprisoned since 2014, primarily for his role in pro-democracy protests in Egypt. Currently serving a five-year sentence following a Facebook post regarding a fellow inmate's death due to torture, his case has captured international attention. Laila Soueif launched her hunger strike in September 2024 after Egyptian authorities refused to acknowledge her son’s time served in pre-trial detention. She stated, "He finished his sentence for God's sake," lamenting the unjust nature of her son's conviction.

In recent months, Laila consumed minimal calories under pressure from the UK government, which prompted a brief pause to her hunger strike, but has since resumed her full fast with renewed fervor. Hospitalized last Thursday, her condition deteriorated sharply, prompting fears from her family about her survival. Sanaa Seif, Laila's daughter, expressed her alarm, stating, “It’s very scary… she’s talking to us about life after she’s gone,” indicating that her mother is already making farewells.

International advocacy has flared up, with calls from the UN for Alaa’s immediate release, underscoring the violation of his rights to freedom of expression. However, the Egyptian government has remained unyielding, even denying British consular access to Alaa, fueling frustration among his family and supporters. MP (Member of Parliament) voices, including the former British ambassador to Egypt and other human rights advocates, have called for stronger action from the UK government.

British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has communicated his efforts to pressure Egyptian authorities, yet Sanaa Seif criticized the government's measures as insufficient, arguing for Alaa’s urgency in securing freedom. “Alaa needs to be out of prison and out of the country,” she asserted.

Laila Soueif has signalled her willingness to use her death as a final bargaining chip, stating, “Use my death as leverage to get Alaa out.” The case has ignited a wider discussion about human rights abuses in Egypt, bringing attention to the plight of numerous political prisoners facing similar fates.