A UK-bound British national, previously held unlawfully in Egypt, has issued a full apology for past tweets advocating violence against Zionists. Alaa Abd El-Fattah, who was detained for six years on charges of disseminating false information about the regime, was greeted in the UK by Keir Starmer amid controversy over unearthed posts dating back to 2010. The UK government has condemned the expressed views as “abhorrent.”
Chris Philp, the Conservative shadow Home Secretary, condemned Mr. El-Fattah, labeling him a “despicable scumbag” and urging for his citizenship to be revoked. The British-Egyptian dual citizen, known for his involvement in the Arab Spring protests and hunger strikes while incarcerated, had made statements in 2010 glorifying the killing of Zionists, stating the need for more such actions.
Acknowledging the historical tweets that resurfaced, Mr. El-Fattah expressed deep remorse for the hurtful and shocking nature of his words, attributing them to youthful anger amidst regional crises and police brutality. He admitted regret for engaging in online disputes without considering the impact on others.
Despite a prolonged campaign for his release by both Tory and Labour administrations, Mr. El-Fattah’s imprisonment had been deemed a violation of international law by UN investigators. Following a pardon by Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi, he was allowed to travel to the UK on Boxing Day.
Addressing allegations of antisemitism, Mr. El-Fattah clarified that some tweets had been misconstrued and shared out of context, highlighting his support for LGBTQ rights and opposition to sectarianism and racism. He emphasized his commitment to standing up for religious minority rights in Egypt.
The controversy surrounding Mr. El-Fattah’s past statements has raised concerns among Jewish organizations about the safety of Jewish communities, particularly in light of recent antisemitic incidents. The British government, while celebrating his return, has condemned his previous tweets as reprehensible.
Mr. El-Fattah, who obtained UK citizenship in December 2021, expressed gratitude for the widespread support he received, acknowledging the difficulty some supporters may now face in light of his past remarks. He affirmed the importance of defending human rights and standing against unjust imprisonment.