British-Egyptian political activist and writer Alaa Abd el-Fattah has finally arrived in London, reuniting with his family 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 London Arrival
Alaa Abd el-Fattah's arrival in the UK marks the end of a gruelling ten-year period during which he was imprisoned nearly continuously by Egyptian authorities. His detention stemmed primarily from his vocal opposition to the government's treatment of dissidents. Despite receiving a presidential pardon and being released from jail in September, a subsequent travel ban blocked his initial attempt to fly to London in November.
His sister, Mona Seif, expressed the family's disbelief and relief, stating on social media: "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 believes a negotiated agreement will now permit him to travel freely between the UK and Egypt, a crucial condition for maintaining ties with his family in Cairo and his teenage son in Brighton.
International Campaign and Diplomatic Pressure
The campaign for his release involved intense international pressure. His mother, Laila Soueif, undertook an extended eight-month hunger strike that twice led to her hospitalisation, aiming to push the UK Foreign Office to act more decisively. Prime Minister Keir Starmer personally intervened, making three calls to Egyptian President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi, while UK National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell also urged Egyptian officials to end the detention.
James Lynch of the human rights organisation FairSquare, which supported the family's efforts, 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." He added that he hoped this signalled "the beginning of a new chapter" for the activist and his loved ones.
Legal Battles and Family Reunion
Abd el-Fattah's legal troubles included a five-year sentence handed down in September 2019 on charges of "spreading false news" after a trial widely criticised by rights groups. He was held for an additional two years beyond that sentence, as authorities refused to count time spent in pre-trial detention towards his term served. At one point, his family was informed he would not be released until January 2027.
His son, Khaled, who lives in Brighton and attends a special educational needs school, visited his father in Cairo after the September release. His sister Sana had previously emphasised the importance of freedom of movement, stating: "Khaled needs his father. My nephew … is very, very comfortable in his school and his setup in Brighton. We can’t keep creating instability."
In a social media post, Prime Minister Starmer welcomed the outcome, paying tribute to Abd el-Fattah's family and campaigners. He noted the case had been a "top priority" for his government and expressed gratitude to President Sisi for granting the pardon. The Egyptian government had consistently denied British consular access during his imprisonment, citing its non-recognition of his dual citizenship.
