UK Government Fails to Secure Release of Imprisoned British-Egyptian Activist Despite Promise
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Alaa Abd el-Fattah is a British-Egyptian writer and activist who has been imprisoned in Egypt since 2019. His family says the UK government has failed to secure his release despite promises to help.
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UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak told el-Fattah's sister in November 2022 that resolving his case was a priority, but there has been little progress since.
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El-Fattah undertook a hunger strike for 6 months in 2022 to protest prison conditions and demand a consular visit. He ended the strike after receiving medical treatment.
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The UK Foreign Office has declined to share information on diplomatic efforts to visit el-Fattah in prison or secure his release, citing confidentiality.
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El-Fattah's family believes the UK government could do more to pressure Egypt to recognize his British citizenship and work towards his release.