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For many years, successive UK administrations have tirelessly advocated for the release of Alaa Abd el-Fattah, a dual UK-Egyptian citizen who has spent much of the last 14 years imprisoned in Egypt.
On Friday, Abd el-Fattah finally returned to the United Kingdom after Egyptian authorities removed a travel ban that had kept him in the country since his release in September.
Robert Jenrick, a Conservative spokesperson for justice matters, questioned whether Starmer was aware of past social media posts allegedly made by Abd el-Fattah, which purportedly supported violence against “Zionists” and police. Jenrick urged Starmer to denounce these statements and retract his wholehearted support for the activist.
“No individual should face imprisonment for arbitrary reasons or peaceful protest,” Jenrick stated. “However, the prime minister should not lend the prestige of his office to someone whose remarks verge on racism and incite violence.”
According to a statement from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, both major political parties have prioritized advocating for Abd el-Fattah’s release. However, this commitment does not equate to an endorsement of his online statements, a spokesperson clarified.
“The government condemns Mr El-Fattah’s historic tweets and considers them to be abhorrent,” the statement said.
Abd el-Fattah’s family in the U.K. had vigorously campaigned for his release, arguing that he had spent most of the past 14 years behind bars because of his opposition to the government of President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi.
His mother, Laila Soueif, 69, staged a 10-month hunger strike to pressure British authorities to do more to secure her son’s release.
Starmer on Friday paid tribute to Abd el-Fattah’s family and all the others who campaigned for his freedom.
“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,” Starmer said.
But soon after Abd el-Fattah arrived at London’s Heathrow Airport, critics began circulating historical social media posts in which he appeared to endorse the killing of Zionists and police.
The Times of London reported that Abd el-Fattah has previously said the comments were taken out of context and were part of a “private conversation” that took place during an Israeli offensive in the Gaza Strip.
Abd el-Fattah’s press team didn’t immediately response to a request for comment, and it was not immediately clear whether the posts were authentic.