Jillian York

3 weeks ago | eff.org | Jillian York

It has now been nearly two months since UK Prime Minister Starmer spoke with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, yet there has been no tangible progress in the case of Alaa Abd El Fattah, the British-Egyptian writer, activist, and technologist who remains imprisoned in Egypt. In yet another blow to his family and supporters, who have been tirelessly advocating for his release, we’ve now learned that Alaa has fallen ill while on a sustained hunger strike protesting his incarceration.

2 months ago | eff.org | Jillian York |Paige Collings

In times of conflict, the internet becomes more than just a tool—it is a lifeline, connecting those caught in chaos with the outside world. It carries voices that might otherwise be silenced, bearing witness to suffering and survival. Without internet access, communities become isolated, and the flow of critical information is disrupted, making an already dire situation even worse.

2 months ago | eff.org | Jillian York |Paige Collings

Last month saw digital rights organizations and social justice groups head to Taiwan for this year's RightsCon conference on human rights in the digital age. During the conference, one prominent message was spoken loud and clear: Alaa Abd El-Fattah must be immediately released from illegal detention in Egypt.

2 months ago | eff.org | Jillian York

Share It Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Copy link UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer made a public commitment on February 14 to Laila Soueif, the mother of Alaa Abd El Fattah, stating “I will do all that I can to secure the release of her son Alaa Abd el-Fattah and reunite him with his family.” While that commitment was welcomed by the family, it is imperative that it now be followed up with concrete action. Laila has called on PM Starmer to speak directly to President Sisi of Egypt.

Jan 23, 2025 | eff.org | Jillian York

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.*Jillian York: Welcome, let’s start here. What does free speech or free expression mean to you personally? Lina Attalah: Being able to think without too many calculations and without fear. York: What are the qualities that make you passionate about the work that you do, and also about telling stories and utilizing your free expression in that way? Well, it ties in with your first question.