Starmer criticized for statement on British activist’s prison release

Sir Keir Starmer has faced backlash for expressing delight over the release of British-Egyptian activist Alaa Abd El-Fattah, who was imprisoned in Egypt for spreading false news. Although welcomed back to the UK, concerns were raised by shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick and the Jewish Leadership Council regarding Abd El-Fattah’s past extremist statements. Starmer’s government had reportedly pressured Egypt for his release, which followed an eight-month hunger strike by Abd El-Fattah’s mother. The Prime Minister acknowledged the activist’s case as a priority and thanked President Sisi for the pardon.

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