Amnesty International has urged Lebanon to reject extradition requests for Abdul Rahman Al-Qaradawi from Egypt and the UAE, citing his arbitrary detention linked to his critical comments on Arab governments. They warn of the severe risks he would face if extradited, including enforced disappearance and torture. The outcome of this case is seen as a test of Lebanon’s commitment to human rights and freedom of expression.
Amnesty International has called for the Lebanese authorities to reject extradition requests from Egypt and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) regarding Abdul Rahman Al-Qaradawi, an Egyptian-Turkish poet currently detained in Lebanon. He was taken into custody on December 28, 2024, after criticizing several Arab governments during a visit to Syria. Sara Hashash, Deputy Director for the Middle East and North Africa at Amnesty, emphasized that his detention appears politically motivated, stemming from his exercise of free expression. In light of this, Al-Qaradawi faces severe risks, including potential enforced disappearance and torture, should he be extradited to either country. Amnesty stresses that Lebanon’s response to this case will reveal its commitment to upholding human rights and obligations under international law. They urged the immediate release of Al-Qaradawi and suggested he be allowed to relocate to Turkey or another destination of his choice.
Abdul Rahman Al-Qaradawi, a dual Egyptian-Turkish national, has been under scrutiny since his return from Syria, where he openly criticized the governments of the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. His comments, captured in a video shared on social media, incited authorities to detain him upon his arrival in Lebanon. Previously convicted in absentia by an Egyptian court for charges including spreading false information, Al-Qaradawi has faced political repression, mirroring his sister’s ongoing arbitrary detention in Egypt. The pending extradition decisions by Lebanese officials further complicate his situation, raising significant concerns regarding human rights and international law.
The case of Abdul Rahman Al-Qaradawi underscores critical issues regarding freedom of expression and human rights in the context of international extradition laws. As Lebanon deliberates on the extradition requests from Egypt and the UAE, it faces a pivotal moment to demonstrate its commitment to protecting individuals from political persecution. The international community and human rights organizations are closely observing the outcome, which could set important precedents for the treatment of dissenters under international law.
Original Source: www.amnesty.org
