human rights defender

Alaa Abd El-Fattah

Actions and Campaigns

HRD's year of birth

1981

HRD's Gender

Man

Type of HRD

  • Journalist/Blogger

HRD's thematic area of engagement

  • Digital rights

HRD's geographical origin

Urban

Current Status

Pardoned

HRD's bio and work

Alaa Abdel Fattah is an Egyptian activist, writer, and blogger widely recognized as one of the most prominent figures in the Egyptian revolution of 2011. He has been a relentless advocate for civil and political rights, digital freedoms, and government transparency. Alaa's work has focused on promoting freedom of expression, fighting against state censorship, and defending the rights of political detainees. His writings and activism have inspired a generation of youth in Egypt and beyond, leading to his frequent imprisonment by successive Egyptian governments. Despite facing severe repression, including multiple arrests, enforced disappearances, and harsh prison conditions, Alaa continues to be a symbol of resistance and a powerful voice for human rights in the Arab world. His work and sacrifices have drawn international attention to the plight of activists in Egypt, making him a global symbol of the struggle for freedom and justice.

Detained since

Sep 29, 2019

Date of release

Sep 22, 2025

Charge(s)

  • Spreading fake news

Sentence

The Emergency State Security Misdemeanor Court in Fifth Settlement sentenced the blogger and activist Alaa Abdel-Fattah to five years in prison.

Geolocation of detention

Country or area of detention

Region of detention

  • Africa: Northern Africa

Location of detention - City/Town

Wadi El Natrun

Location of detention - Facility

Wadi El Natrun Rehabilitation and Correctional Center

Recent case update / evolution

He completed his full prison sentence in September 2024. Since March 17, 2025, Alaa has been on hunger strike in protest against his continued arbitrary detention and the deliberate delay in his release. - He was released following a presidential pardon issued on 22 September 2025.

Alaa was released from Wadi El-Natrun prison on 22 September 2025 after receiving the presidential pardon.

Any other relevant documents

Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, Opinion No. 23/2025 concerning Alaa Ahmed Seif al-Islam Abd el- Fattah Hamed (Egypt). At: https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/documents/issues/detention-wg/opinions/session102/a-hrc-wgad-2025-23-aev.pdf

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