The family of Egyptian activist Abdul Rahman al-Qaradawi has appealed to Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati for his immediate release amidst fears of deportation to Egypt, where he is wanted on charges inciting terrorism. Arrested on December 28, al-Qaradawi’s family warns that extraditing him could lead to torture and endanger his life, citing Lebanon’s historic role in defending freedoms. His legal troubles and political dissent highlight ongoing human rights concerns in Egypt under President el-Sisi.
The family of Egyptian activist Abdul Rahman al-Qaradawi has urgently appealed to Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati to assist in preventing their relative’s deportation to Egypt, expressing grave concerns for his safety. Arrested on December 28 at the Masnaa border crossing after entering Lebanon from Syria, al-Qaradawi faces a five-year prison sentence in absentia for inciting terrorism and opposing the state, as levied by an Egyptian court following a controversial article he published in 2012. Given the political climate and documented human rights violations in Egypt, the family fears that his extradition could jeopardize his life and well-being.
Their press release highlighted Lebanon’s historical stance as a defender of freedoms, imploring Prime Minister Mikati to intervene on grounds of justice and humanity, ensuring al-Qaradawi’s safe return to Istanbul where his three daughters await him. His lawyer has raised concerns that returning him to Egypt could lead to potential torture, a fate that many political dissidents have suffered under the current regime, criticized by various human rights organizations for such abuses.
Al-Qaradawi, whose father was a prominent spiritual leader of the Muslim Brotherhood, has been a long-time critic of both former and current Egyptian leaders, advocating for democracy and human rights since the 2011 Egyptian revolution that led to the ousting of President Hosni Mubarak. His situation reflects ongoing issues of political oppression in Egypt, making his family’s appeal all the more pressing as they seek to avert a potential tragedy.
The case of Abdul Rahman al-Qaradawi underscores the perilous conditions faced by political dissidents in Egypt and the broader Middle East. Following the overthrow of President Hosni Mubarak in 2011 and the subsequent rise of President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, many individuals known for opposing the regime have been targeted, facing persecution, imprisonment, or worse. Al-Qaradawi’s arrest in Lebanon, driven by an Egyptian warrant, reflects the perilous intersection of political asylum and international law, particularly when nations are compelled to extradite individuals sought by oppressive governments. The family’s assertive approach in pleading for intervention from Lebanese authorities underscores the fear and urgency surrounding al-Qaradawi’s fate if he were to return to Egypt.
In conclusion, the family of Abdul Rahman al-Qaradawi is advocating for his release from detention in Lebanon, as fears regarding his potential deportation to Egypt intensify. The letter to Prime Minister Najib Mikati reflects a broader concern for human rights and the protection of political dissidents who may face life-threatening situations upon return to their home countries. The outcome of this appeal will likely resonate beyond al-Qaradawi’s individual case, impacting perceptions of Lebanon’s commitment to freedom and human rights in a region marked by repression.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
