GENEVA (11 November 2022) – UN experts* today joined the growing chorus of human rights voices expressing fears for the life of Egyptian blogger and activist Alaa Abdel Fattah and demanding his release.
The experts reiterated their concern about the activist who was persecuted for his human rights advocacy when he was charged with terrorism related offences and did not receive a fair trial. The jailed British-Egyptian activist escalated his seven-month hunger strike this week by refusing water.
“The fact that we ‘hear and see’ Mr Abdel Fattah now, because the COP27 conference takes place in Egypt, underscores the importance of States and other stakeholders addressing his plight directly with the Egyptian government. The national authorities must ensure that his right to life is protected. His imprisonment and suffering should not become the image that defines the COP climate conference.” the experts said.