A British-Egyptian grandmother, Laila Soueif, is currently in a critical condition at St Thomas’s Hospital after nearly 250 days on hunger strike in protest against the imprisonment of her son, Alaa Abd el-Fattah. Family members describe her survival as a “miracle,” with medical professionals warning that her dangerously low blood sugar levels put her at severe risk of sudden death. At 69, Soueif has demonstrated remarkable resilience, having persisted in her strike against the Egyptian regime since 29 September of the previous year, coinciding with the end of Abd el-Fattah’s five-year prison sentence.

A former pro-democracy activist and mathematics professor, Abd el-Fattah has long been a target of the Egyptian authorities for his outspoken criticism of the regime. Since his initial detention in 2019, he has spent years behind bars, with the latest charges relating to a social media post about the murder of another activist. Despite completing his intended sentence, he remains imprisoned, highlighting ongoing concerns about Egypt's use of legal mechanisms to stifle dissent. Soueif’s hunger strike serves a dual purpose: to demand her son’s release and to press the British government, led by Sir Keir Starmer, to take a more decisive stance against the Egyptian authorities.

Medical interventions have become critical as Soueif’s health deteriorates; she was only able to briefly halt her strike earlier this year to accept a glucose drip, which has been described as a temporary measure. Her daughter, Sanaa Seif, expressed disbelief that her mother is still fighting, remarking that whatever fat reserves remain might be all that is keeping her organs functional. Ms Seif has publicly urged the British government to act swiftly while her mother still has the strength to protest, reflecting a sense of urgency that echoes throughout the family's plight.

The circumstances surrounding Abd el-Fattah's incarceration have drawn international condemnation, including from the United Nations, which has ruled his detention illegal on multiple counts. Calls for the British government to act have intensified, particularly after Sir Keir Starmer met Soueif in February, during which he promised to do “all that I can” to secure her son’s release. However, a lack of substantive action in subsequent months has frustrated both the family and their supporters, including MP John McDonnell, who have urged for greater urgency and the implementation of economic measures against Cairo to compel a response.

While the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) maintains that it is committed to securing Abd el-Fattah’s release, members of his family and supporters remain sceptical about the government’s effectiveness. They argue that without a more aggressive diplomatic approach, including potential economic repercussions for Egypt, meaningful change may not occur. The government's responses have thus far been characterised by routine statements rather than concrete actions, leaving many to wonder whether more drastic measures are necessary to influence the Egyptian regime.

As Laila Soueif continues her fight for justice, her health hangs in the balance, embodying the sacrifices made by families of dissidents who are subjected to oppressive regimes. The situation remains precarious, with increasing pressure on both the UK government and Egyptian authorities to take the necessary steps to secure Alaa Abd el-Fattah’s release and ensure the wellbeing of his mother, who has shown extraordinary bravery and determination in the face of despair.

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Source: Noah Wire Services