The British-Egyptian political activist and writer, Alaa Abd el-Fattah, has finally arrived in London after the Egyptian government removed a travel ban that had prevented him from leaving Cairo for months following his release from prison.
A Decade-Long Ordeal Ends with Reunion
Abd el-Fattah, who had been imprisoned for nearly ten years for his vocal opposition to the Egyptian government's treatment of dissidents, was granted a presidential pardon and released in September. However, his freedom was incomplete as authorities immediately imposed a travel ban, blocking an attempt to fly to London in November. His arrival in the UK marks the culmination of a protracted campaign by his family and human rights groups, allowing him to be reunited with his teenage son, Khaled, who lives in Brighton and attends a special educational needs school.
His sister, Mona Seif, expressed overwhelming relief, stating: “I can’t believe it’s finally happened and Alaa has made it to London. We thought it was impossible, but here he is. Alaa is free and we can finally begin to heal as a family.” The family believes the new agreement will permit him to travel freely between the UK and Egypt in the future.
International Pressure and Diplomatic Efforts
The campaign for his release saw significant international pressure. His mother, Laila Soueif, undertook an extended eight-month hunger strike, during which she was twice hospitalised in critical condition, to urge the UK Foreign Office to act. Prime Minister Keir Starmer personally intervened, making three calls to Egyptian President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi, while National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell also pressed for an end to his detention.
Despite these high-level appeals, Egyptian authorities consistently refused British consular access, citing their non-recognition of Abd el-Fattah's dual citizenship. Analysts suggest that recent changes within the Egyptian embassy in London may have contributed to a more flexible stance, ultimately leading to the lifting of the ban.
A New Chapter After Injustice
Abd el-Fattah's imprisonment extended two years beyond his original five-year sentence, as authorities refused to count his time in pre-trial detention. He was convicted in a widely criticised 2019 trial on charges of "spreading false news." Last year, his family was told he would not be released until 2027, making his presidential pardon a sudden reversal.
James Lynch of the human rights group FairSquare, which supported the family's campaign, said: “I’m delighted that Alaa has safely returned to the UK to be reunited with his son after such a lengthy ordeal lasting well over a decade. After everything Alaa and his family have been through, I’m hopeful this marks the beginning of a new chapter for them.”
In a social media statement, Prime Minister Starmer welcomed the outcome, paying tribute to the activist's family and campaigners. He noted that the case had been a top priority for his government and expressed gratitude to President Sisi for granting the pardon, though he offered no criticism of the original sentencing.
