Urgent Appeal to the UK Prime Minister: Act to free Alaa Abd el-Fattah

On May 21, 2025, MENA Rights Group joined 33 human rights organisations in sending an urgent letter to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer KC, urging immediate action for the release of British-Egyptian political prisoner Alaa Abd el-Fattah.

Alaa completed his unjust prison sentence in Egypt in September 2024, yet remains arbitrarily detained. His mother, Laila Soueif, has been on a hunger strike for nearly eight months in protest, after years of exercising every other option available trying to free Alaa. 

The letter highlights:

• The UK government's prior efforts, including a February 2025 call between PM Starmer and Egyptian President al-Sisi.
• The Egyptian authorities’ continued denial of consular access.
• The pressing need for renewed high-level dialogue to ensure Alaa's release and safe return to the UK.

The signatories warn that Egypt's treatment of Alaa and the resulting deterioration of his mother's condition could have lasting and significant consequences beyond their family: both for Egypt’s reputation and standing on the international stage, and for the future of its relationship with Britain, including cooperation on tourism, trade, and investment.

Read the full letter here.