Amnesty International urges Lebanese authorities to reject extradition requests for Abdul Rahman Al-Qaradawi from Egypt and the UAE. The poet’s detention is linked to his critical comments about these governments. If extradited, he faces serious human rights violations. The case tests Lebanon’s commitment to freedom of expression amid external pressures, with calls for his immediate release and relocation to Türkiye or another safe place.
Amnesty International has urged the Lebanese authorities to deny the extradition requests from Egypt and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) concerning Abdul Rahman Al-Qaradawi, an Egyptian-Turkish poet currently detained in Lebanon. Sara Hashash, Amnesty’s Deputy Director for the Middle East and North Africa, emphasized that Al-Qaradawi’s detention coincides with his critical remarks towards the Emirati, Saudi Arabian, and Egyptian governments, suggesting that the extradition requests stem from his legitimate expressions of free speech. If extradited, Al-Qaradawi may face severe human rights violations, including torture and enforced disappearance.
Amnesty International asserted that to extradite Al-Qaradawi would violate the principle of non-refoulement under international law, which prohibits returning individuals to places where they may suffer persecution. The organization reaffirmed that the choice to criticize government actions should not be treated as a criminal offense. In this context, the case represents a pivotal moment for Lebanon’s commitment to uphold freedom of expression amidst external political and economic pressures. The immediate release of Al-Qaradawi and his asylum in Türkiye or other free nations is being advocated by human rights defenders.
The situation surrounding Abdul Rahman Al-Qaradawi has drawn considerable attention, as Lebanese authorities deliberate on extradition requests from Egypt and the UAE. After a visit to Damascus in December 2024, during which he publicly criticized multiple Arab governments, Al-Qaradawi was arrested upon his return to Lebanon. His current circumstances are particularly concerning considering the politically motivated charges and prior convictions he faces in Egypt, which are widely viewed as an infringement on his freedom of expression and human rights.
In summary, the case of Abdul Rahman Al-Qaradawi highlights significant human rights concerns regarding arbitrary detention and the risk of extradition to countries where he would likely face persecution. As Lebanon deliberates over the extradition requests, the international community, represented by organizations such as Amnesty International, calls for adherence to human rights norms and the protection of Al-Qaradawi’s freedom of expression.
Original Source: www.amnesty.org
