Amnesty International has urged Lebanese authorities to reject extradition requests for Abdul Rahman Al-Qaradawi, citing potential human rights violations and expressing concern that he could face torture if returned to Egypt or the UAE. Al-Qaradawi is currently detained following critical remarks against regional authorities during a visit to Syria.
Amnesty International has called on Lebanese authorities to reject extradition requests for Abdul Rahman Al-Qaradawi, an Egyptian-Turkish poet arrested upon his return from Syria. Sara Hashash, Deputy Director for the Middle East and North Africa at Amnesty, emphasized that Al-Qaradawi’s detention stems from his critical comments on the governments of Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. She warned that extraditing him could lead to serious human rights violations, including torture and enforced disappearance, and urged that he be allowed to travel to Turkey or another safe destination.
Abdul Rahman Al-Qaradawi was detained by Lebanese security forces on December 28, 2024, after he publicly criticized several Middle Eastern authorities during a visit to Syria. His arrest followed a controversial 2017 Egyptian court verdict in absentia, which condemned him for allegedly spreading false information. Both Egypt and the UAE have issued extradition requests for him, which Amnesty International contests on the grounds of potential human rights abuses.
Amnesty International’s claims reflect serious concerns regarding human rights in this case. The organization argues that extraditing Abdul Rahman Al-Qaradawi to Egypt or the UAE would violate international law and expose him to severe risks. It is now crucial for Lebanon to uphold its commitments to human rights and freedom of expression by refusing the extradition requests and allowing Al-Qaradawi to choose his next destination, ensuring his safety.
Original Source: www.amnesty.org
