Egypt’s Shaky Pardon for Abdel-Fattah: A Test of Genuine Reform or Political Theater?

Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi’s recent order to review a pardon petition for Alaa Abdel-Fattah, a prominent democracy activist imprisoned since 2019, presents a critical moment—and yet raises pressing questions about the sincerity of Cairo's commitment to human rights and rule of law. Abdel-Fattah’s case is emblematic of the broader crackdown on freedom and dissent that has defined Egypt under el-Sissi’s regime. Sentenced to five years for allegedly spreading false news—a charge frequently weaponized against critics—he remains detained despite spending over two years in pre-trial detention. Now, after international outcry and persistent appeals from human rights groups, the president has finally...