Lebanon has arrested Abdul Rahman Al-Qaradawi, son of the late Muslim Brotherhood leader, under an Egyptian warrant for inciting terrorism. The Lebanese judiciary will review the case to determine extradition potential. Al-Qaradawi has publicly opposed the Egyptian government and celebrated significant political events in Syria, further complicating his situation.
Lebanese authorities have apprehended Abdul Rahman Al-Qaradawi, an Egyptian activist and son of the late Muslim Brotherhood leader, Yusuf Al-Qaradawi. His detention occurred on Saturday at the Masnaa border crossing upon his arrival from Syria, following an Egyptian arrest warrant arising from a conviction in absentia. Sentenced to five years in prison for “opposing the state and inciting terrorism,” Al-Qaradawi’s case will be assessed by Lebanese judicial authorities, who will determine whether extradition conditions are met. His father, Yusuf, a renowned Sunni scholar, was a key figure in the Muslim Brotherhood, an organization deemed terrorist by Egypt since 2013, and which subsequently led to mass arrests of its members. Abdul Rahman has publicly opposed current Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and had recently celebrated a significant political shift in Syria, where Assad was overthrown. Egypt has called for Al-Qaradawi’s extradition, amid regular demands from government-affiliated commentators since his arrest.
The Muslim Brotherhood, founded in Egypt, has had a tumultuous history, especially following the Arab Spring uprisings in 2011. Following the ousting of longtime President Hosni Mubarak, the Brotherhood gained influence but was later banned and declared a terrorist organization under President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s regime in 2013. Yusuf Al-Qaradawi, recognized internationally for his scholarship, was a significant voice within the Brotherhood and remained a vocal critic of Egyptian authorities. Following his death, tensions surrounding membership and supporting figures like his son have remained high as Egyptian authorities continue to pursue those affiliated with the group.
The arrest of Abdul Rahman Al-Qaradawi marks a significant development in the ongoing conflict involving the Egyptian government and the Muslim Brotherhood. The judicial process in Lebanon regarding his potential extradition highlights the complexities of international law concerning politically charged cases. As Lebanon evaluates the Egyptian request, the political ramifications will be closely observed, especially in the context of Egyptian domestic policy towards dissenters.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
