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September 23, 2025 – Egypt/UK –
British-Egyptian activist and journalist Alaa Abd el-Fattah has been released from prison following a presidential pardon granted by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. His reunion with his mother, Laila Soueif, and sister Sanaa Seif took place late on 22 September.
Abd el-Fattah had spent much of the past decade in custody, with his most recent detention beginning in 2019 over charges including “spreading false news.” His case drew repeated national and international criticism, with UN experts deeming his detention arbitrary under international human rights law.
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) welcomed the pardon, but also urged Egyptian authorities to ensure that Abd el-Fattah is allowed to travel freely, particularly to rejoin his young son in the UK, where he holds ties. RSF affirmed that his ordeal — and that of his family — reflects broader suppression of independent media in Egypt, and that his release should mark a turning point rather than an isolated gesture.
Sources say the pardon was influenced by recommendations from Egypt’s National Council for Human Rights and sustained advocacy by his family, including hunger strikes and diplomatic pressure. His mother, Laila Soueif, had conducted a hunger strike outside the UK Foreign Office to press for his release.
While the news was met with relief among supporters and family members, observers caution that his release does not resolve Egypt’s deep challenges around political imprisonment, media freedom, or due process. Abd el-Fattah’s case will likely remain a focal point as rights groups push for the release of other political prisoners.
Reference –
https://rsf.org/en/british-egyptian-journalist-alaa-abdel-fattah-finally-freed-prison-egypt
