Amnesty International urges Lebanese authorities to reject extradition requests for Abdul Rahman Al-Qaradawi from Egypt and the UAE, citing his arbitrary detention linked to his critical statements against these regimes. His lawyers have appealed to the UN to intervene, warning of serious risks he may face if sent back, including torture and enforced disappearance. The case poses significant implications for Lebanon’s commitment to freedom of expression and human rights.
Amnesty International has called for the Lebanese authorities to deny extradition requests from Egypt and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) regarding Abdul Rahman Al-Qaradawi, an Egyptian-Turkish poet detained in Lebanon. Sara Hashash, Deputy Director for the Middle East and North Africa at Amnesty International, emphasized that Al-Qaradawi’s detention followed his outspoken criticism of the authorities in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, marking a significant infringement on his right to freedom of expression. She further warned that extraditing him could lead to serious human rights violations, including enforced disappearance and torture, underscoring the need for Lebanon to prioritize human rights over political considerations.
Al-Qaradawi was apprehended on December 28, 2024, upon returning from Syria, following the circulation of a critical video he recorded during his trip. His legal troubles stem from a 2017 verdict in Egypt, which sentenced him in absentia to five years in prison for purportedly spreading false news. As Lebanon prepares to evaluate the extradition requests, Al-Qaradawi’s legal representatives have escalated the situation by appealing to the United Nations for the rejection of the extradition demands from both countries. Amnesty International urged the Lebanese government to act in accordance with their obligations under international law and reject these extradition requests, maintaining that Al-Qaradawi should be released and allowed to travel to a safer location such as Türkiye, where he resides.
This incident exemplifies the broader implications for freedom of expression within the region and the potential dangers faced by individuals who dare to voice dissent against powerful regimes. Human rights advocates continue to monitor this situation closely, emphasizing that government action should align with international human rights standards, safeguarding individuals against political persecution. Failure to do so would not only jeopardize Al-Qaradawi’s safety but also set a troubling precedent for the treatment of dissenters in Lebanon and beyond.
Abdul Rahman Al-Qaradawi, who holds dual Egyptian and Turkish nationality, has been embroiled in a legal challenge after being arbitrarily detained in Lebanon on December 28, 2024. His detention followed a visit to Syria, where he filmed a critical commentary on the governments of the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, sparking significant backlash from these states. Al-Qaradawi has been convicted in absentia by an Egyptian court of spreading false information, leading to these extradition requests. His case raises pressing concerns about human rights, the treatment of dissenters, and the adherence of the Lebanese government to international legal commitments amidst political pressures.
The extradition requests for Abdul Rahman Al-Qaradawi from Egypt and the UAE have sparked a significant human rights discourse, drawing the attention of organizations like Amnesty International. In light of Al-Qaradawi’s critical stance against authoritarian regimes, his potential extradition raises grave concerns over his safety and fundamental rights. As the Lebanese authorities deliberate these requests, the commitment of Lebanon to uphold the principles of freedom of expression and international human rights standards is under scrutiny. The outcome will not only impact Al-Qaradawi’s future but also reflect Lebanon’s broader stance on protecting human rights within its jurisdiction.
Original Source: www.amnesty.org
