Lebanon plans to deport Egyptian dissident Abdul Rahman Yusuf to the UAE after his arrest for celebrating Bashar al-Assad’s fall. His criticisms of Egyptian President el-Sisi and ensuing social media attention triggered calls for his deportation by state-affiliated entities. Amnesty International has urged Lebanon to reject extradition requests, citing concerns over his safety.
Lebanon has decided to deport Abdul Rahman Yusuf, an Egyptian dissident who expressed joy over the fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, to the United Arab Emirates. Yusuf, son of the late Egyptian cleric Yusuf al-Qaradawi, was arrested on December 28 following his return from Syria, where he participated in celebratory events in Damascus. He has been a vocal critic of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and his messages have gained traction on Arabic-speaking social media, prompting calls from Saudi and Egyptian officials for his deportation.
Prior to the decision, local media indicated that legal and political discussions concerning Yusuf’s situation had garnered significant attention. The Lebanese news outlet LBC reported that the cabinet’s consensus leaned towards extraditing Yusuf to the UAE. Amnesty International urged Lebanese authorities to deny extradition requests from the UAE and Egypt, emphasizing the risk of persecution he would face upon return.
Sara Hashash, Amnesty International’s Deputy Director for the Middle East and North Africa, stressed, “Criticizing the authorities is not a crime. Forcibly extraditing him to a country where he is likely to face persecution would be a flagrant breach of the principle of non-refoulement under international law.” This case has raised crucial questions about Lebanon’s commitment to upholding human rights and freedom of expression amid political pressures.
The context of this incident is rooted in the strained relations within the Arab world concerning governance, dissent, and freedom of speech. Following the uprising against Bashar al-Assad in Syria, many activists and dissidents find themselves navigating precarious political environments. The Egyptian authorities, particularly under President el-Sisi, have intensified their crackdown on dissent, targeting those who express opposition to the regime’s policies. In this atmosphere, the deportation of individuals like Yusuf highlights the ongoing tensions between individual rights and state interests in the region.
In conclusion, the decision by Lebanon to deport Abdul Rahman Yusuf to the UAE underscores the complex dynamics at play regarding freedom of expression and state security in the Middle East. Organizations like Amnesty International continue to advocate for the protection of individuals facing potential persecution due to their political beliefs. The outcome of Yusuf’s case may set a significant precedent for the handling of similar situations in Lebanon and beyond.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
