British-Egyptian activist Alaa Abdel Fattah has been awarded this year’s PEN Writer of Courage honor, despite being imprisoned in Egypt at the age of 42. He remains behind bars after completing a five-year sentence for allegedly “spreading false news.”
Last month, Alaa’s sister, Sanaa Seif, reiterated that her brother is innocent and should have been released by September 29.
The PEN Pinter Prize, awarded annually, allows the recipient to select a writer of courage from a shortlist of international authors known for defending freedom of expression. Arundhati Roy, the 2024 PEN Pinter Prize winner, chose Alaa for this honor.
Roy explained her decision, stating that she shares the award with Alaa because his voice is “as beautiful as it is dangerous,” and his insight into current global challenges is sharp and threatening to those in power, which is why Egyptian authorities continue to imprison him.
Alaa became prominent during the Arab Spring protests that ousted Hosni Mubarak, and he has since symbolized the repression that followed. The 2011 revolution sparked hope for activists in Egypt and beyond, but Alaa became a frequent target of security crackdowns, spending much of the past decade in prison.
In 2014, Alaa was sentenced to five years for protesting without permission under President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi’s rule. Released on probation in 2019, he reunited with his son but was required to spend nights at a police station. His partial release ended in September 2019, when he was arrested again following protests against Al-Sisi. In December 2021, Alaa received another five-year sentence for allegedly spreading fake news, a charge often used to silence government critics.
Human rights organizations say thousands of political prisoners are being held under Al-Sisi’s regime, many without due process, and have endured abuses, including torture.
At a ceremony in London, Lina Attalah, editor-in-chief of Mada Masr, accepted the award on Alaa’s behalf. She emphasized that Alaa’s writing, whether in articles, social media posts, or prison letters, reveals truths through language, inviting others to learn and take action.
Naomi Klein, an author and columnist for The Guardian, praised Alaa for his courage and intellect, noting how fitting Roy’s selection was. Roy also announced that she would donate her share of the prize money to the Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund.