Alaa Abdel Fattah, the British-Egyptian activist, is expected to be released on 29 September after nearly five years in prison. His family is hopeful but apprehensive, fearing another disappointment from authorities.
His mother, Laila Suief, expressed mixed feelings, stating that she cannot stop thinking about the release date but remains cautious due to past letdowns. Alaa, a prominent figure in the 2011 revolution, was sentenced for sharing a Facebook post about police brutality.
Despite the anticipation of his release, the family remains uncertain and hesitant to be too hopeful. Alaa’s cousin, Omar Robert Hamilton, will address his continued imprisonment at the Labour Party Conference in London.
Last year, a letter from Alaa revealed his anguish in a “black abyss.” He went on a hunger strike for six months in protest, refusing water during the COP27 UN climate summit in 2022.
Rights groups estimate thousands of political prisoners face torture and neglect in Egyptian jails. As the release date approaches, Alaa’s family remains cautiously optimistic, prepared for any outcome.