In brief
Despite deteriorating health, Laila Soueif, mother of imprisoned British-Egyptian activist Alaa Abdel Fattah, persists with her hunger strike, risking her life as a plea for her son’s release garners global attention. The British government is urged to take stronger action against Egypt.
Laila Soueif, a 69-year-old British-Egyptian maths professor, has vowed to carry on her hunger strike, even as doctors warn that her life is in jeopardy following eight months of refusing nourishment. Speaking from St Thomas' Hospital in London, she expressed her deep desire to live but stated she is prepared to die if it means securing the freedom of her son, Alaa Abdel Fattah, Egypt's most prominent political prisoner. Alaa, who has spent the majority of the past decade in prison, received a five-year sentence after he shared a Facebook post about a tortured prisoner. His family argues that he should have been released on September 29, 2024, but the Egyptian authorities refused to acknowledge the two years he spent in pre-trial detention.Laila originally began her hunger strike when it became clear he wouldn't be released. Although she briefly consumed liquid calories after receiving a public plea from UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, she resumed her full hunger strike in May after seeing no change in her son's situation.Her poor health was brought to light when she was hospitalized last week. While receiving medical attention, Laila has refused glucose treatment, leading to dangerously low glucose levels. Her daughter, Sanaa Seif, shared her concerns, revealing that Laila is preparing for the worst by saying her goodbyes. The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention has called for Alaa's immediate release, citing violations of his rights to freedom of expression. However, appeals from Alaa's family for stronger UK government intervention have yet to result in substantial action. Sanaa criticized the UK government for perceived inaction, expressing pride in her mother's courage, while also emphasizing the plight of political prisoners in Egypt. Echoing similar sentiments, the Foreign Office has stated it is committed to Alaa’s release, claiming ongoing discussions with Egypt's government. In a poignant statement, Laila communicated what she hopes will resonate if she does not survive: "Use my death as leverage to get Alaa out. Don’t let my death be in vain."
