British-Egyptian dissident Alaa Abd el-Fattah has arrived in London after the Egyptian government lifted a travel ban imposed on him following his release from jail in September. His arrival was announced by his mother, Laila Soueif, on Facebook.
Abd el-Fattah had been held in jail nearly continuously for 10 years, mainly for expressing opposition to the treatment of dissidents. He was detained two years beyond his five-year sentence as Cairo authorities refused to recognise pre-trial detention as part of his time served. A previous attempt to leave Cairo in November was blocked by security forces.
His sister Mona Seif expressed relief, saying: 'I can’t believe it’s finally happened and Alaa has made it to London. We thought it was impossible, but here he is.' The family believe the agreement will allow him to travel freely between the UK and Egypt.
James Lynch of human rights organisation FairSquare said: 'I’m delighted that Alaa has safely returned to the UK to be reunited with his son after such a lengthy ordeal.' Abd el-Fattah's teenage son, Khaled, lives in Brighton and attends a special educational needs school.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer made three calls to President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi, and the UK national security adviser also urged Egypt to end his detention. Starmer wrote on social media: 'I’m delighted that Alaa is back in the UK and has been reunited with his loved ones.'
