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HARDtalk

Laila Soueif and Sanaa Seif: Hunger for freedom

Feb 19, 2025
Laila Soueif, a dedicated activist and mother of imprisoned political prisoner Alaa Abdel Fattah, joins her daughter Sanaa Seif, a pro-democracy advocate herself, in a poignant discussion on their fight for freedom. They share their harrowing experiences of hunger strikes and the emotional toll on their family. The conversation delves into the intricate dynamics of activism against the backdrop of Egyptian governance, the challenges of international diplomacy, and the legacy of their activism rooted in the Tahrir Revolution.
22:57

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Laila Soueif's hunger strike for her son Allah Abdel Fattah symbolizes the extreme measures families take against oppressive regimes.
  • The podcast highlights the need for a stronger response from the British government regarding human rights and political prisoners in Egypt.

Deep dives

The Plight of Allah Abdel Fattah

Allah Abdel Fattah, a civil society campaigner and pro-democracy activist, has faced severe repercussions for his political dissent in Egypt. Having been imprisoned after participating in protests against the regime, his legal troubles escalated following a re-arrest for allegedly spreading false information. Despite already suffering through two years of pre-trial detention, authorities have extended his prison sentence to an additional five years without acknowledging the time he previously served. This situation exemplifies the authoritarian government's disregard for legal procedures and human rights, leaving his family desperate for his release.

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