Alaa’s release by way of a presidential pardon came after a long international solidarity campaign calling for his freedom and a 10-month hunger strike by his elderly mother.

Egypt still refuses to release Alaa, despite increasing pressure by solidarity campaigns, international rights groups and the UK government.

Alaa has been on hunger strike since April 2, raising the issue of his deteriorating health. His family members and other activists have demanded immediate international intervention to secure his release