British-Egyptian activist returns to the UK and reunites with family after prison release
British-Egyptian pro-democracy activist Alaa Abd El-Fattah has returned to the UK for the first time since his release after spending six years in prison in Egypt.
British-Egyptian pro-democracy activist Alaa Abd El-Fattah has returned to the UK for the first time since his release after spending six years in prison in Egypt.
Mr Abd El-Fattah, 44, was released in September after being granted a presidential pardon for his charges of spreading false news, but a travel ban was in place until 20 December.
He had become one of Egypt's most prominent political prisoners after spending much of his life in and out of detention due to his activism. His latest sentence came amid a far-reaching crackdown under president Abdel Fattah al Sisi.
Mr Abd El-Fattah has dual nationality through his mother, Laila Soueif, with whom he has now been reunited in the UK.
In a statement, his family said he would shortly be reunited with his 14-year-old son Khaled, who lives in Brighton with his mother.
Image: Alaa Abd El-Fattah. File pic: Reuters
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer welcomed Mr Abd El-Fattah's return, writing on X: "I'm delighted that Alaa Abd El-Fattah is back in the UK and has been reunited with his loved ones, who must be feeling profound relief.
"I want to pay tribute to Alaa's family, and to all those that have worked and campaigned for this moment.
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