Alaa Abd El-Fattah 2023-01-31
2023-01-31
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Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Alaa Abd El-Fattah, a prominent democracy campaigner and British citizen, has been detained in Egypt since December 2021. His continued imprisonment raises concerns about consular access and the UK's ability to provide support.
What steps his Department is taking to provide consular support for Alaa Abd El-Fattah.
We are deeply concerned about the continued detention of Alaa Abd El-Fattah and are committed to supporting Mr El-Fattah and his family. Since Mr El-Fattah's sentencing in December 2021, His Majesty's Government have made numerous representations concerning his imprisonment, welfare and lack of consular access. This includes through successive interventions by Prime Ministers with President Sisi and engagement with senior Egyptian Government figures led by my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary and other Ministers.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific actions taken to ensure consular support were not detailed.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Alaa Abd El-Fattah's case remains unresolved despite previous discussions between the UK and Egypt. His family is present in the Gallery hoping for progress.
Will the Minister commit to a meeting with Alaa's family to discuss at greater length what the UK Government are doing to place diplomatic pressure on Egypt on this matter?
We have been providing regular consular support to Mr El-Fattah's family and recognise that they are here today. My noble Friend Lord Ahmad, the Minister for the Middle East, has met family members previously. He will continue to closely engage with the family, keep them informed of developments and work with the Egyptian authorities on this case.
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Assessment & feedback
The commitment to a specific meeting was not made explicitly.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Alaa Abd El-Fattah's continued imprisonment raises questions about the diplomatic repercussions for Egypt and precedents set by denying consular access.
What is the diplomatic cost to that Government for denying consular access to a British citizen, and what precedent does it set when that access is denied without consequence?
The FCDO has been supporting Mr El-Fattah and his family, advocating for his release and other defendants. However, the Egyptian authorities have not recognised his dual nationality, preventing consular staff from visiting him in prison. We are continuing to press for action, including his release.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific diplomatic cost and precedents were not detailed.
Response accuracy