Journalist Peter Greste, Once Jailed in Egypt, Joins Hunger Strike for Alaa Abd El-Fattah’s Freedom – Democracy Now!
Journalist Peter Greste, Once Jailed in Egypt, Joins Hunger Strike for Alaa Abd El-Fattah’s Freedom Democracy Now!
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Pressure Mounts for Release of British Egyptian Political Prisoner Alaa Abd El-Fattah
The family of Alaa Abd El-Fattah, a prominent British Egyptian political prisoner, is urging the British government to prioritize his release from prison in Egypt. They have called on British officials to issue sanctions against Egypt until Alaa is freed, and to prioritize his release over any new trade or economic deals with Egypt. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy recently met with Egypt’s foreign minister to discuss regional issues, and reiterated his call for Alaa’s release.
Hunger Strike and International Pressure
Alaa’s mother, Laila Soueif, an Egyptian British activist, mathematician, and professor, has been on a hunger strike for 117 days in London to pressure both the British and Egyptian governments for her son’s release. She hopes that her hunger strike will create a crisis for both governments and hold them accountable for Alaa’s imprisonment.
International Support
Peter Greste, an Australian journalist and professor, who was imprisoned in Egypt in 2013, has joined Laila Soueif in her hunger strike. Greste had met Alaa Abd El-Fattah in prison and credits him with providing support and inspiration during his own imprisonment. Greste has written an op-ed for The Guardian, titled “I owe Alaa Abd el-Fattah my life, which is why I am going on a hunger strike to help free him.”
Alaa Abd El-Fattah’s Imprisonment
Alaa Abd El-Fattah was due to be released from prison in September 2021 after serving five years on unfounded charges of spreading false news. However, Egyptian authorities have refused to count the more than two years he spent in pretrial detention towards his time served, meaning he won’t be released until 2027. Alaa has spent most of the last decade in seemingly indefinite imprisonment, separated from his family.
British Government’s Actions
The British government has expressed concerns about Alaa’s case and has written letters to President Sisi of Egypt. Foreign Secretary David Lammy has also met with Laila Soueif to discuss Alaa’s situation. However, the family believes that stronger actions, such as robust economic tools, are necessary to secure Alaa’s release. They are disappointed that Alaa has not had consular access or visits from the embassy.
Continued Hunger Strike
Laila Soueif’s hunger strike has entered a dangerous phase, as her vital signs and blood glucose levels have dropped alarmingly. However, she is determined to continue her hunger strike to demand justice and bring attention to Alaa’s case. The family hopes that the hunger strike will prompt a crisis and lead to Alaa’s release.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators in the Article
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
- SDG 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies, and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies, and action.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator for SDG 16.3: Number of people who have access to justice and enjoy their legal rights.
- Indicator for SDG 10.3: Proportion of population reporting having personally felt discriminated against or harassed in the previous 12 months on the basis of a ground of discrimination prohibited under international human rights law.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all. | Number of people who have access to justice and enjoy their legal rights. |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies, and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies, and action. | Proportion of population reporting having personally felt discriminated against or harassed in the previous 12 months on the basis of a ground of discrimination prohibited under international human rights law. |
Explanation:
The article discusses the case of Alaa Abd El-Fattah, a political prisoner in Egypt, and the efforts of his family and supporters to secure his release. The issues highlighted in the article are connected to SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).
Under SDG 16, the target of promoting the rule of law and ensuring equal access to justice for all is relevant to the case of Alaa Abd El-Fattah, who has been imprisoned on unfounded charges. The indicator for this target would be the number of people who have access to justice and enjoy their legal rights.
Under SDG 10, the target of reducing inequalities of outcome and eliminating discriminatory laws, policies, and practices is relevant to the case as well. The indicator for this target would be the proportion of the population reporting discrimination or harassment based on prohibited grounds of discrimination.
Source: democracynow.org
