PM 'delighted' as activist reunited with family in UK after prison release
Alaa Abd El-Fattah was detained in an Egyptian prison for six years
The Prime Minister has welcomed the return of a British democracy activist who was detained in an Egyptian prison for six years.
Alaa Abd El-Fattah, who was released from prison in September after receiving a presidential pardon, has reunited with his loved ones in the UK, Sir Keir Starmer said.
Mr Abd El-Fattah, who has dual nationality, was detained in Egypt in September 2019, and in December 2021 was sentenced to five years in prison on charges of spreading false news.
His imprisonment was branded a breach of international law by UN investigators, and Mr Abd El-Fattah was released after he was pardoned by Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi.
On Friday, Sir Keir wrote on X: "I'm delighted that Alaa Abd El-Fattah is back in the UK and has been reunited with his loved ones, who must be feeling profound relief.
"I want to pay tribute to Alaa's family, and to all those that have worked and campaigned for this moment.
"Alaa's case has been a top priority for my government since we came to office. I'm grateful to President Sisi for his decision to grant the pardon."
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper similarly stressed that Mr Abd El-Fattah's release had been a "top priority" for the Government, and paid tribute to the activist's family.
Ms Cooper wrote on X: "I'm delighted that Alaa Abd El-Fattah has arrived in the UK and is with his family.
"Alaa's case has been a top priority for our Government and I welcome President Sisi's granting of this pardon.
"I pay tribute to Alaa's family for their tireless determination to be reunited."