Amnesty International is calling for the immediate and unconditional release of Egyptian-British activist Aala Abdel Fattah, who is set to complete a five-year prison sentence in three days, on 29 September.
Why is Aala Abdel Fattah being held?
- Arrested in 2019 for activism
- Sentenced to five years for “spreading false news”
- Risk of extended detention post-release
The prospect of further imprisonment for Abdel Fattah is condemned by Amnesty International, labeling him a prisoner of conscience who has been unjustly incarcerated for years for peacefully advocating human rights.
What are the concerns?
- Risk of further extension of arbitrary detention
- Authorities may bring fresh charges
- Continued denial of basic rights, including access to legal counsel
The Egyptian government’s track record of targeting political dissenters is a cause for concern, with individuals like Abdel Fattah being subjected to inhumane treatment and unfair trials.
Background on Alaa Abdel Fattah
- Targeted for his role in the 2011 uprising
- Excluded from recent government release initiatives
- Continued crackdown on dissent in Egypt
Further calls for global action are prevalent to ensure that Alaa Abdel Fattah is not subjected to further injustice after completing his prison sentence.
Source: www.amnesty.org