image sourced from original article at Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is facing criticism after expressing delight at the return of British democracy activist Alaa Abd El-Fattah from detention in Egypt. The activist, released after a presidential pardon, was welcomed by Starmer and senior ministers, but the Jewish Leadership Council and Conservative figures have condemned the government's response due to Abd El-Fattah's past social media posts that allegedly contained extremist views.
Senior Conservative Robert Jenrick called Starmer's remarks a 'serious error of judgment', citing posts that appeared to endorse violence and antisemitism, though their authenticity could not be verified. The Jewish Leadership Council also voiced concerns, linking the government's welcome to broader issues of antisemitism and public safety.
Abd El-Fattah, a dual British-Egyptian national and prominent figure in Egypt's 2011 uprising, was previously imprisoned on charges of spreading false news, a case that drew international attention. The controversy now centers on whether the Prime Minister should have acknowledged the activist's past statements before celebrating his release.
