David Lammy under fire for allegedly neglecting British citizen imprisoned in Egypt
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy is facing criticism for allegedly neglecting the case of a British citizen imprisoned in Egypt on what are being called “bogus charges.” Alaa Abd el-Fattah, an activist and author, has been behind bars for nearly a decade, with his family and supporters expressing concern that he may face further detention despite a looming release date.
Family accuses Lammy of turning a blind eye
The sisters of Alaa Abd el-Fattah, Sanaa and Mona Seif, have accused David Lammy of ignoring their pleas for assistance since assuming his role as foreign secretary. This comes as a stark contrast to Lammy’s previous advocacy for el-Fattah’s release while serving as shadow foreign secretary. Sanaa Seif expressed her disappointment, stating, “He was once our champion. He was our guy. He knew every detail. Now we are not so sure. Mr. Lammy will not even meet with us. It is unacceptable.”
During his time in opposition, Lammy actively campaigned for el-Fattah’s freedom, participating in protests and calling for diplomatic action against the Egyptian government. However, since taking office, his engagement with the case has reportedly dwindled, leading to frustration and concern among el-Fattah’s family and supporters.
Concerns over Egypt’s “revolving door system”
Alaa Abd el-Fattah was sentenced to five years in prison in 2021 for sharing a social media post, a move condemned as unjust by human rights organizations such as Amnesty International. As his release date approaches, there are fears that he may be subjected to Egypt’s notorious “revolving door system,” in which political prisoners are hit with fresh charges to prolong their detention.
The Seif sisters have called on the UK government to ensure el-Fattah’s safe return and have expressed doubts about the effectiveness of diplomatic efforts thus far. They believe that the UK could leverage its economic ties with Egypt to secure el-Fattah’s release, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
Amnesty International calls for immediate release
Amnesty International has labeled Alaa Abd el-Fattah as a prisoner of conscience, highlighting the repeated arrests and unjust imprisonment he has endured for exercising his human rights. The organization has called for his immediate and unconditional release, urging the Egyptian authorities to allow him to reunite with his loved ones without further delay.
Mahmoud Shalaby, Amnesty International’s Egypt Researcher, emphasized the need for urgent action, stating, “He is a prisoner of conscience. He should never have been forced to spend a single minute behind bars.” The human rights group continues to advocate for el-Fattah’s release and condemns the ongoing violation of his rights by the Egyptian government.
Despite the mounting pressure and calls for action, the situation remains precarious for Alaa Abd el-Fattah and his family, who are anxiously awaiting his scheduled release date in September.
In response to the growing outcry, the Foreign Office has stated that the foreign secretary is committed to resolving el-Fattah’s case and has offered the family a meeting to discuss the matter. Recent discussions between Lammy and the Egyptian foreign minister at the UN have also touched upon the need for progress in el-Fattah’s case, indicating a renewed focus on the issue at the diplomatic level.
As the campaign for Alaa Abd el-Fattah’s release continues to gain momentum, his supporters remain hopeful that international pressure will compel the Egyptian government to uphold justice and allow him to return home to his family. The case serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by political prisoners in oppressive regimes and the critical role that diplomatic efforts play in advocating for their freedom.
