In brief
Alaa Abdel Fattah, a well-known British-Egyptian pro-democracy activist and political prisoner until recently, faces travel restrictions as Egyptian authorities have barred him from flying to the UK. Abdel Fattah was released from prison after receiving a pardon from President Sisi but was stopped at Cairo International Airport while attempting to leave for London with his sister. His family is seeking answers and support for his unrestricted return to the UK to reunite with his son.
British-Egyptian pro-democracy activist Alaa Abdel Fattah was stopped from flying to the UK by Egyptian passport control earlier this week, his family says.
Mr Abdel Fattah, 43, was Egypt's best-known political prisoner until seven weeks ago, when he was released from jail after being granted a pardon by President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi.
He attempted to fly to London on Tuesday with his sister Sanaa but was told by officials at Cairo International Airport that he was not allowed to travel.
They blocked him from boarding the flight and I had to go alone, Sanaa told the BBC's Today programme on Friday. There was no immediate comment from the Egyptian government.
They didn't explain much. Our lawyers in Egypt are trying to understand the legal grounds, she added.
She stated that her brother had his British passport as well as a recently renewed Egyptian passport, expecting that would allow him to travel.
Alaa Abdel Fattah's 13-year-old son, Khaled, lives with his mother in Brighton, where he attends a special needs school. Sanaa emphasized the need for her brother to have freedom of movement to fully reunite with his son.
Ms. Seif mentioned that the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has been in communication over the issue but urged Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's office to intervene as well.
The FCDO stated that Abdel Fattah's release was a significant step, asserting that efforts to facilitate his return to the UK remain a priority.
On a related note, Alaa Abdel Fattah and his mother received the 2025 Magnitsky Award for Courage Under Fire, although Sanaa accepted the accolade on their behalf.
Abdel Fattah rose to prominence during the 2011 uprising in Egypt and has faced multiple imprisonments since, including a five-year sentence for participation in protests and later convictions deemed unfair by human rights groups. His family's ongoing struggle for his full freedom mirrors the continued difficulties faced by those advocating for democracy and human rights in the region.
