Egyptian authorities on Monday announced a presidential pardon for prominent activist Alaa Abd el-Fattah, who has spent nearly 12 years in prison. A statement from the president’s office said five other prisoners were also pardoned, though it was unclear when they would be released.His lawyer, Khaled Ali said that Abd el-Fattah is expected to walk free from Wadi Natron Prison, north of Cairo, once the decision is published in Egypt’s official gazette, likely within two days. His mother, Laila Soueif, said she was heading to the prison. “I won’t rest until he is out,” she said.
Voice of the Arab Spring :
Abd el-Fattah rose to prominence during the 2011 Arab Spring uprising that toppled former President Hosni Mubarak. He became a symbol of dissent, speaking out against human rights abuses and military trials of civilians, as reported by news agency AFP. Since then, he has been repeatedly jailed. His longest sentence came in 2021, when a court gave him five years for spreading false news. Authorities later extended his detention beyond his official release date in 2024, sparking international criticism.His sister Mona Seif expressed relief at the news of his pardon. “My heart will explode,” she said.
Hunger strikes and international pressure:
Abd el-Fattah’s case has drawn global attention. He staged several hunger strikes, including a dramatic one in 2022 during the UN climate summit in Sharm el-Sheikh, which ended only when he lost consciousness.His family campaigned tirelessly for his release, appealing to the UK after Abd el-Fattah obtained British citizenship through his mother. His mother also staged her own hunger strike in Britain last year, before ending it due to ill health.European leaders, including those of Britain, France and Germany, privately raised his case with President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi, though few governments openly clashed with Egypt over his detention.
Rights groups welcome decision:
The pardon followed a petition submitted by the National Council for Human Rights (NCHR) on health and humanitarian grounds. In a statement, the NCHR welcomed the decision, calling it “a step that underscores a growing commitment to justice and human rights.”Lawyer Khaled Ali said his client’s name has been removed from Egypt’s terrorism list, which could allow him to travel abroad once freed. However, Abd el-Fattah has expressed a desire to remain in Egypt and retain his citizenship.
Family and supporters hopeful:
His sister Sanaa Soueif wrote earlier this month on X, “This is really promising, we hope these authorities follow through with urgency and that Alaa will be reunited with us soon.”Friends also voiced relief. “It has been so long … but something in my heart was sure that his struggle and his family’s struggle for freedom won’t go in vain,” said Lina Attalah, editor-in-chief of independent outlet Mada Masr.
