Melbourne Protest Demands Justice for Imprisoned Writer Alaa Abd el-Fattah
A quiet but resolute protest in Melbourne turned into a bold statement for human rights and freedom of expression, as activists from PEN Melbourne stood outside the British Consulate demanding action for imprisoned Egyptian-British writer Alaa Abd el-Fattah. The event led to the temporary closure of the consulate and brought renewed attention to a global human rights campaign.
A Peaceful Call for Global Solidarity
On June 16, 2025, members of PEN Melbourne arrived at the British Consulate with placards reading “Free Alaa”, distributing open letters and information sheets to raise awareness of the ongoing detention of Alaa Abd el-Fattah—a prominent voice in Egypt’s 2011 revolution and a renowned political philosopher and writer. His treatment in detention has included prolonged isolation and torture, drawing widespread condemnation.
The Voice That Inspires Movements
Alaa, who holds dual citizenship and whose writings have inspired many to question systems of power, is best known for his book “You Have Not Yet Been Defeated.” The text urges readers to “fix [their] own democracy,” a call echoed by the protestors in Melbourne who believe his voice remains crucial to democratic movements around the world.
PEN Melbourne Speaks Out
Spokesperson Jackie Mansourian, representing PEN Melbourne’s Writers in Prison network, emphasized that focusing on individual human rights cases can spark global awareness. She stated that Alaa’s courage, intellect, and commitment to justice represent the kind of leadership the Middle East—and the world—urgently needs.
A Diverse Display of Support
The protest not only caught the attention of passersby, but also involved diverse community members, including a Pakistani refugee, an art dealer with diplomatic links, and a local senior citizen. Their engagement reflects the global support network surrounding Alaa’s case. One participant stated, “It’s because of people like you that justice gets done,” as they accepted a letter addressed to the British Consulate staff.
Personal Ties and International Advocacy
Australian journalist Peter Greste, who credits Alaa with providing moral support during his 2012 imprisonment in Cairo, has also taken action. Greste recently joined Alaa’s mother, Laila Soueif, in a hunger strike to pressure the UK government. Now over 250 days in, Laila continues her protest in a fragile condition from a London hospital, embodying the long and painful struggle for her son’s release.
A Small Protest with Lasting Impact
The Melbourne protest ended with a copy of the group’s open letter being delivered to the consulate via police. While small in scale, the protest had a profound symbolic impact, echoing a louder international call to secure Alaa Abd el-Fattah’s freedom and to reaffirm global democratic values.
Freedom of Expression Remains Non-Negotiable
As Alaa’s detention continues, activists, writers, and supporters around the world are uniting to remind political leaders that freedom of thought, dissent, and human dignity are not negotiable. In a connected global society, injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.
