Lebanese authorities have opted to deport Abdul Rahman Yusuf, an Egyptian dissident who celebrated the fall of Bashar al-Assad, to the UAE. Yusuf, arrested after returning from Syria, faces calls for his deportation, particularly from pro-government factions in Egypt and Saudi Arabia. Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, have condemned the extradition, citing concerns over potential persecution in the UAE.
Lebanese authorities have decided to deport Abdul Rahman Yusuf, an Egyptian dissident known for expressing support for the fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Yusuf, the son of the late cleric Yusuf al-Qaradawi, had been apprehended on December 28 after participating in celebrations in Syria.
A vocal opponent of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Yusuf recorded various videos in Damascus expressing his hopes for a brighter future for countries uprising against tyranny. His comments, which criticized Arab states including Egypt, have gained substantial traction on Arabic-language social media platforms, furthering calls from certain governmental factions for his deportation.
As reported by the local news channel LBC, the Lebanese cabinet’s decision to deport Yusuf emerged following extensive legal and political deliberations regarding his case, which has garnered considerable attention. However, detailed timelines regarding his deportation remain unclear.
In light of the impending deportation, Amnesty International has urged Lebanese officials to dismiss extradition requests from Egypt and the UAE. According to Sara Hashash, Amnesty’s Deputy Director for the Middle East and North Africa, forcing Yusuf back to a state where he may face persecution would violate international non-refoulement principles. Furthermore, she emphasized the case as a significant indicator of Lebanon’s dedication to upholding freedom of expression and human rights principles, urging the government to prioritize these commitments over its political and economic relations.
The case of Abdul Rahman Yusuf highlights the complexities surrounding freedom of expression in the Middle East, particularly amid tensions between different governments. Yusuf’s outspoken views, especially regarding the Arab uprisings, place him at odds with authoritarian regimes in Egypt and other Gulf states. His apprehension and potential deportation raise significant concerns about the treatment of dissenters and human rights within Lebanon and its obligations under international law. This incident occurs against a backdrop of strained diplomatic relations between Lebanon, and the UAE and Egypt, further complicating the political landscape in the region.
The deportation of Abdul Rahman Yusuf symbolizes the ongoing struggle for freedom of expression in the Middle East. As his case unfolds, it raises critical questions about Lebanon’s legal commitments to human rights versus political alliances. The response from Lebanese authorities, alongside international pressure from organizations such as Amnesty International, will be pivotal in determining the future of dissent and political expression in the region.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
