Lebanon is set to hand over Egyptian activist Abdulrahman al-Qaradawi to the UAE shortly, as his lawyer warns that the extradition is potentially unlawful. Al-Qaradawi faces a five-year Egyptian prison sentence for opposing the state, amidst concerns for his safety due to his political affiliations and previous activism against the Egyptian government.
Lebanon is expediting the process to extradite Egyptian opposition activist Abdulrahman al-Qaradawi to the United Arab Emirates, with expectations set for his transfer before January 9. His attorney, Mohammad Sablouh, indicated that there have been troubling developments related to al-Qaradawi’s case at Lebanon’s Court of Cassation. He raises concerns over the legality of the UAE’s extradition request, highlighting that Egypt, not the UAE, is al-Qaradawi’s country of origin, and no formal extradition treaty exists between Lebanon and the UAE.
Abdulrahman al-Qaradawi, a noted opposition figure and son of prominent Muslim Brotherhood leader Yusuf al-Qaradawi, has been incarcerated in Lebanon after an Egyptian arrest warrant led to his detention at the Masnaa border crossing. His arrest was linked to charges stemming from a prior conviction in absentia in Egypt, with authorities deeming him an opponent of President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. The Muslim Brotherhood has faced severe repression in Egypt since its designation as a terrorist organization in 2013.
The imminent extradition of Abdulrahman al-Qaradawi from Lebanon to the UAE raises significant legal and human rights concerns. His attorney’s arguments underscore possible violations of international law, particularly regarding extradition protocols and protections for political dissidents. Given al-Qaradawi’s background and the circumstances surrounding his detention, a potential return to Egypt may expose him to severe repercussions, raising alarms among human rights advocates.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
