The solidarity campaign for imprisoned activist Alaa Abd El Fattah called for urgent action following the admission of Alaa’s mother Laila to hospital on the 242nd day of her hunger strike. Laila Soueif has survived on a bare minimum of fluids and liquid supplements since September and resumed a full hunger strike on 20 May. Alaa has been persecuted by the military regime in Egypt for over a decade, and despite completing his most recent 5 year sentence in September remains in jail. He is a British citizen and his family have called on Keir Starmer to increase pressure on the Egyptian government to release him.

Laila told the Guardian last week: “I have never seen [the UK government] act as if the situation was urgent, except when I was hospitalised. For me and for my family the situation is urgent. We have used up more days than we ever thought we had. We need Alaa released now. We need Alaa with us now. We need Alaa reunited with his son, Khaled, now.”

Alaa is one of thousands of prisoners unjustly held in Egyptian jails on trumped up charges.

What you can do:

• Find out what you can do to take action here on the Free Alaa campaign website
• Join the silent vigil tonight at St Thomas’ Hospital
• Send a message of solidarity to the Free Alaa campaign at freedomforalaa@gmail.com

Silent vigil at St Thomas’ Hospital to honour Dr Laila Soueif’s courage and strength.

Saturday 31 May, 7-9pm

Meeting point: Mary Seacole statue, St Thomas’ Hospital, Westminster Bridge Rd, London SE1 7EH

Laila’s 8-month hunger strike, a revolutionary act of love for her son, Alaa – a political prisoner in Egypt – has sadly led to her hospitalisation.

Laila’s unwavering determination to see this through amidst painfully slow diplomacy between two governments is an inspiration to us all and reminds us of the strength of the human spirit against immeasurable hardship. We will gather in solidarity and support, united in our hope for Alaa to be reunited with his family, and Laila to be there to see her steadfastness rewarded.

Please bring candles and messages of support for Laila, Alaa and their family during this time.

Hope to see you there

#FreeAlaa #SaveLaila

@FreedomForAlaa