In a significant development, Alaa Abd el-Fattah, the prominent Egyptian-British prodemocracy activist, has been released from prison after nearly 12 years of incarceration. His release was granted following a presidential pardon by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing struggle for human rights and political freedoms in Egypt. 

A Long-Awaited Reunion 

On Tuesday, September 23, 2025, Abd el-Fattah was reunited with his family at his mother’s residence in Giza. The emotional reunion was captured in photographs and videos, showing Abd el-Fattah embracing his mother, Laila Soueif, and his sister, Sanaa Seif. His mother, a renowned activist in her own right, had previously undertaken a prolonged hunger strike to protest his detention, highlighting the family’s unwavering commitment to his release. 

Background and Imprisonment 

Abd el-Fattah, 43, was a leading figure in the 2011 Egyptian revolution that ousted then-President Hosni Mubarak. He was initially arrested in 2014 for participating in an unauthorized protest and was later re-arrested in 2019 on charges of spreading false news. His most recent sentence, handed down in 2021, was for sharing a Facebook post, a move that drew widespread condemnation from human rights organizations and international governments. 

Advocacy and International Pressure 

The campaign for Abd el-Fattah’s release garnered significant international attention. His family, particularly his mother and sister, led tireless efforts, including public demonstrations

and hunger strikes, to raise awareness of his plight. The United Kingdom government also played a role, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper advocating for his release. Human rights organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch condemned his imprisonment, labeling him a prisoner of conscience. 

The Significance of the Pardon 

The timing of Abd el-Fattah’s release coincides with a period of improved diplomatic relations between Egypt and the United Kingdom. While the pardon has been welcomed by human rights advocates, it also raises questions about the broader context of political repression in Egypt. Activists continue to call for the release of other political prisoners and for reforms to ensure freedom of expression and assembly. 

Looking Ahead 

Now free, Abd el-Fattah plans to reunite with his family in the United Kingdom. His release has been hailed as a victory for human rights and a testament to the power of sustained advocacy. However, the struggle for political freedoms in Egypt continues, and Abd el-Fattah’s case remains a symbol of the ongoing fight for justice and accountability.

References:

1. Reuters. “Egypt’s President Sisi pardons high-profile Egyptian-British activist Alaa Abd el-Fattah.” Reuters, 22 September 2025. (Reuters)
2. The Independent. “British-Egyptian activist Alaa Abd el-Fattah released from prison in Egypt after spending more than a decade behind bars…” The Independent, September 2025. (The Independent)
3. Al Jazeera. “Egyptian-British activist Alaa Abd el-Fattah freed after Sisi pardon.” Al Jazeera, 23 September 2025. (Al Jazeera)
4. Associated Press (via WTOP). “Egypt announces pardon for top activist who’s spent 6 years behind bars.” 22 September 2025. (WTOP News)
5. Amnesty International. “Egypt: Prisoner of Conscience Alaa Abdel Fattah granted Presidential Pardon after six years of unjust imprisonment.” 22 September 2025. (Amnesty International USA)
6. The National News. “Egypt’s President El Sisi pardons activist Alaa Abdel Fattah.” 22 September 2025. (The National)
7. The Guardian. “British-Egyptian activist Alaa Abd el-Fattah will be released from jail after serving six years for sharing a Facebook post.” The Guardian, 22 September 2025. (The Guardian)