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Hunger strikers support release of jailed activists

Dozens of Egyptians were on hunger strike yesterday to demand the release of activist Alaa Abdel Fattah and two others, who they say are being unfairly detained.

A court sentenced Mr Fattah, a leading figure in the revolt that toppled Hosni Mubarak, to 15 years in jail in June for violating a law curtailing protests. Twenty-four others were also sentenced to 15 years but only the three remain in jail. 

They have been on hunger strike since August 18. At their retrial on Wednesday, the judge set September 15 as the date of the next hearing.

Mr Fattah’s mother Laila Soueif said at the court that she went on hunger strike after losing faith in the court.

“I do not trust the judiciary,” she said. “I am relying on public opinion.”

Ms Soueif said she and her daughters had begun a hunger strike on August 28.

Activist Omar Robert Hamilton said 65 other people had also given up food as part of the campaign.

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