Call for Lebanon to Reject Extradition of Poet Abdul Rahman Al-Qaradawi
Amnesty International has called on Lebanese authorities to reject extradition requests for poet Abdul Rahman Al-Qaradawi, citing risks of torture and unfair trial in Egypt and the UAE. Al-Qaradawi was detained after criticizing these governments and faces politically motivated charges. His case highlights significant concerns regarding freedom of expression and Lebanon’s obligations under international law.
Amnesty International has urged Lebanese authorities to decline the extradition requests for Abdul Rahman Al-Qaradawi, an Egyptian-Turkish poet who was recently detained in Lebanon. His arrest on December 28, following a visit to Syria, is seen as a consequence of his critical remarks regarding the governments of Egypt, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia. The organization warns that returning Al-Qaradawi could expose him to severe human rights violations, including torture and unfair trial. They emphasized that criticizing authorities should not be criminalized and called for his immediate release and safe passage to Turkey or another safe location.
The Lebanese authorities are expected to make a decision regarding Al-Qaradawi’s extradition later this week. His arrest followed a viral video criticizing officials in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, which is believed to have instigated his detention. Al-Qaradawi faces a politically motivated five-year prison sentence in Egypt, linked to charges of disseminating false information. His lawyers have appealed to UN authorities for intervention against the extradition requests from Egypt and the UAE, highlighting the serious implications for freedom of expression.
Background on the case reveals that Abdul Rahman Al-Qaradawi is a dual citizen living in Turkey and the son of the influential Islamic scholar Yusuf Al-Qaradawi. His family asserts that the extradition requests are politically motivated, following his outspoken criticism of regional authorities. His sister, also facing grave allegations in Egypt, underscores the pervasive risks associated with dissent against these governments. The calls from human rights organizations reflect a broader concern regarding the treatment of dissidents in the region and the integrity of Lebanon’s commitment to human rights standards.
Abdul Rahman Al-Qaradawi, an Egyptian-Turkish poet, is at the center of an international human rights discussion following his detention in Lebanon. The Lebanese government has received extradition requests from the Egyptian and UAE authorities, aimed at Al-Qaradawi due to his political expressions against these governments. His situation is compounded by a history of politically motivated charges against him in Egypt, including a five-year prison sentence imposed in absentia. Al-Qaradawi’s recent arrest after a critical social media post raises significant concerns about freedom of expression and potential state reprisals against dissenters within Lebanon and beyond.
The case of Abdul Rahman Al-Qaradawi represents a critical intersection of human rights and political dynamics in the Middle East. The Lebanese authorities are urged to prioritize human rights over political relationships in their decision-making. The potential consequences of extraditing Al-Qaradawi to Egypt or the UAE pose substantial risks to his safety and well-being. Therefore, it is imperative that Lebanon reject these requests, ensure his release, and uphold its commitments to international human rights standards.
Original Source: www.amnesty.org
