Lebanon to Extradite Abdul Rahman al-Qaradawi to UAE amid Controversy

Lebanon plans to extradite Abdul Rahman al-Qaradawi, son of late cleric Youssef al-Qaradawi, to the UAE following his detention for critical remarks about UAE and regional authorities. Amnesty International urges Lebanese authorities to deny the extradition, emphasizing his right to free expression. His lawyer intends to file an appeal but fears expedited removal from Lebanon.

Lebanon is poised to extradite Abdul Rahman al-Qaradawi, the son of the late prominent Muslim cleric Youssef al-Qaradawi, to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) following the approval of the caretaker cabinet, as announced by the Prime Minister’s office. Abdul Rahman al-Qaradawi, an Egyptian-Turkish poet, was apprehended in Lebanon on December 28 after his return from Syria. His arrest occurred in response to critical remarks he made regarding the UAE and regional authorities in a video shared online.

The UAE and Egypt have both issued extradition requests citing Abdul Rahman’s statements. Amnesty International expressed concerns regarding these requests, asserting they stem from his exercise of free speech, and urged Lebanese officials to deny the extradition. Meanwhile, his attorney, Mohammad Sablouh, indicated plans to file an urgent appeal against the extradition but expressed fears that his client could be expelled from Lebanon prior to the appeal being heard.

Youssef al-Qaradawi, the father of Abdul Rahman, was a significant figure in Sunni Islam and served as an ideological leader for the Muslim Brotherhood. He passed away in 2022, leaving behind a controversial legacy, especially regarding his influence during the Arab Spring and tensions with authorities in Egypt and the Gulf states. His role was significant enough that in 2017, Saudi Arabia and its allies labeled him as a terrorist, contributing to a blockade against Qatar, where he had long resided.

The extradition of Abdul Rahman al-Qaradawi is centered around his recent criticisms of the UAE, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, which were voiced in a widely circulated video. Human rights organizations, particularly Amnesty International, highlight the potential implications of extraditing individuals based on their exercise of free speech. This case is intricately tied to the legacy of his father, Youssef al-Qaradawi, who was a polarizing figure in the Arab world, known for his association with the Muslim Brotherhood and his influential presence on platforms like Al Jazeera.

The decision by Lebanon to extradite Abdul Rahman al-Qaradawi raises critical questions about freedom of expression and the treatment of individuals based on their political opinions. The situation is complicated by his father’s controversial history and the geopolitical tensions in the region. As this case unfolds, it will be imperative to monitor the consequences of the extradition and the potential impacts on human rights related to free speech in the Middle East.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com