Laila Soueif, a British-born mother, is set to meet with foreign secretary David Lammy to advocate for the release of her son, Alaa Abd el-Fattah, an Egyptian political prisoner who has been on a hunger strike for 58 days. Alaa, a dual citizen of Britain and Egypt, was imprisoned for “spreading false news” and was supposed to be released in September but remains in jail.
Laila Soueif, who has lost 16kg during her hunger strike, describes her body as slowly shutting down, likening it to a panda bear in hibernation. She has been surviving on a diet of sugarless green tea, water, and rehydration salts and is determined to continue her hunger strike until her son is released. Despite concerns about her health and the toll the hunger strike is taking on her body, she remains resolute in her mission.
She expresses disappointment in the lack of progress in securing her son’s release and believes that drastic measures may be necessary to compel action from the Egyptian authorities. Soueif acknowledges the challenges ahead but is willing to do whatever it takes to ensure her son’s freedom, even if it means being hospitalized due to the hunger strike.
In her quest for justice, Soueif is determined to hold the British government accountable for its role in advocating for her son’s release. She emphasizes the need for diplomatic pressure on Egypt, citing Lammy’s previous recommendations for serious consequences if Alaa is not set free. She points out the discrepancy in the treatment of her son, who has completed his five-year sentence, yet remains in prison.
Despite facing obstacles and uncertainties, Soueif remains hopeful that her efforts will bear fruit and lead to her son’s release. She plans to visit him in jail in Cairo later this week, carrying with her the hope of a credible plan for his freedom. As she continues to fight for justice, she reflects on the power of perseverance and determination in the face of adversity.
