Lebanon Approves Extradition of Activist al-Qaradawi Despite Human Rights Concerns
Lebanon has decided to extradite Egyptian activist Abdul Rahman al-Qaradawi to the UAE, despite warnings from Amnesty International regarding the risk of human rights violations he could face. Al-Qaradawi was arrested in Lebanon after returning from Syria, where he criticized the authorities of the UAE, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia. His extradition has been approved by the Lebanese cabinet even as his lawyer plans to appeal the decision.
Lebanon’s government has approved the extradition of Egyptian activist Abdul Rahman al-Qaradawi to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), following a cabinet vote that took place on Tuesday. This decision has incited warnings from Amnesty International regarding potential human rights violations he may face upon his return. Al-Qaradawi, son of the late cleric Yusuf al-Qaradawi, was arrested in Lebanon on December 28 after his arrival from Syria, where he had previously expressed support for the Syrian opposition.
Prior to his arrest, al-Qaradawi released a video from the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus, expressing hope for the Syrian people’s triumph while critiquing the authorities of the UAE, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia. Both Egypt and the UAE have submitted extradition requests for him. The Lebanese cabinet’s decision to approve these requests came shortly after Amnesty International urged the Lebanese authorities to reject extradition, highlighting the activist’s right to freedom of expression as a key issue.
Sara Hashash, Deputy Director for the Middle East and North Africa at Amnesty International, emphasized the risks that al-Qaradawi would face, including enforced disappearance, torture, and unfair trial, if extradited. She noted that such actions would violate international law principles regarding nonrefoulement. Al-Qaradawi’s lawyer has indicated plans to file an urgent appeal against the extradition, further complicating the legal proceedings ahead. Additionally, al-Qaradawi possesses Turkish citizenship and resides in Istanbul with family members.
Abdul Rahman al-Qaradawi is a prominent Egyptian activist recognized for his critical stance against various Arab governments, particularly those of the UAE, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia. His recent arrest in Lebanon follows his return from Syria, where he publicly supported opposition forces against the regime of Bashar al-Assad. Al-Qaradawi’s family, particularly his sister who faces charges in Egypt, is emblematic of the broader human rights issues in the region, which include arbitrary detentions and charges related to dissent.
In summary, Lebanon’s approval of Abdul Rahman al-Qaradawi’s extradition to the UAE raises serious concerns about potential human rights abuses he could encounter. Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, have warned against such action, citing the risks associated with his previous criticisms of regional governments. Al-Qaradawi’s legal team is preparing to appeal the decision, emphasizing the ongoing international significance of this case in relation to the protection of free expression and human rights.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
