UK – Mirror, February 26, 2025
Laila Soueif is fighting for her life after going on hunger strike demanding the release of her son, British citizen Alaa Abd el-Fattah, who is desperate to be reunited with his son in Brighton
The family of a mum fighting for her life have called on Keir Starmer to “make that call” that could save her TODAY.
Laila Soueif has been on hunger strike for 150 days calling for the Government to secure the release of son Alaa Abd el-Fattah. British citizen Alaa, a pro-democracy activist, is in jail in Egypt despite his sentence for sharing criticism on Facebook ending last year.
Doctors say Laila, 68, is now in “immediate risk to life” but has refused to end her hunger strike. She has called on the PM to pick up the phone to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi to secure Alaa’s release.
Mr Starmer was confronted about the case during PMQs by Labour MP John McDonnell – who called on him to make the call. Laila’s daughter Sanaa Seif said: “The doctors at the hospital are saying my mother could die at any moment.
“But if Keir Starmer would pick up the phone and speak to President Sisi, I believe that he can secure the release of my brother, and save my mother’s life. Keir Starmer has to make this call today. Every moment that he waits means that my mother is more likely to die.”
