Keir Starmer says Egyptian-British activist Alaa Abd El-Fattah back in UK

Al JazeeraCenterEN 2 min read 100% complete by By News AgenciesDecember 26, 2025 at 10:07 PM

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Egyptian-British activist and blogger Alaa Abd El-Fattah, a prominent critic of the Egyptian government, has returned to the UK after nearly 12 years of imprisonment in Egypt. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced Abd El-Fattah's arrival on December 26, 2025, expressing "profound relief" at his release. Abd El-Fattah was pardoned by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi in September following international pressure and hunger strikes. He had been jailed multiple times, including for his role in the 2011 uprising and for criticizing el-Sisi after his 2013 coup. Despite the pardon, Abd El-Fattah faced a travel ban until his recent departure, which he hinted at on social media. The UK government had previously faced criticism for not doing enough to secure his release.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

United States 30% Hosni Mubarak 40% UK ×270% Abdel Fattah el-Sisi ×470% Keir Starmer ×280% Egypt ×580% Alaa Abd El-Fattah ×8100%

Keywords

alaa abd el-fattah 100% political prisoner 80% egypt 70% keir starmer 70% pardon 60% uk 60% abdel fattah el-sisi 50% human rights 50% egyptian government critic 40%