Prominent writer and human rights advocate Alaa Abd el-Fattah has been prevented from traveling to the United Kingdom by Egyptian border officials, according to family sources. The activist, who holds dual British-Egyptian citizenship, was stopped at Cairo International Airport while attempting to board a flight to London earlier this week.
Abd el-Fattah had planned to attend human rights ceremonies in the British capital, including an event where he and his mother were scheduled to receive recognition for their activism. His sister, who traveled to London without him, accepted the award on their behalf and confirmed the travel restrictions during her acceptance speech.
The development comes despite the activist’s release from detention two months ago following a presidential pardon. The conditions of his release, particularly regarding international travel rights, had remained ambiguous since his freedom was granted.
The activist’s family has maintained strong connections to Britain, where his teenage son resides and attends school. While the young boy visited his father in Egypt following the release, he has since returned to his educational institution in southern England.
The case has drawn international attention over recent years, particularly after the activist’s mother undertook an extended hunger strike lasting nearly ten months to protest her son’s imprisonment. Her health deteriorated significantly during this period, requiring hospitalization in London on multiple occasions.
Abd el-Fattah had recently begun speaking publicly about his detention experience and his need for recovery time before determining his future path. The latest travel restrictions represent another obstacle in his journey toward full rehabilitation and family reunification.
