Lebanese authorities have arrested Abdul Rahman Al-Qaradawi, wanted by Egypt on terrorism charges as he returned from Syria. The arrest relates to a five-year sentence in absentia for inciting opposition, following his vocal criticisms against current Egyptian leadership and his father’s historical connections to the Muslim Brotherhood, a group banned in Egypt.
Lebanese authorities have apprehended Abdul Rahman Al-Qaradawi, an Egyptian opposition activist and son of the late Yusuf Al-Qaradawi, the prominent spiritual leader of the Muslim Brotherhood. He was detained at the Masnaa border crossing while entering from Syria under an Egyptian arrest warrant that cites a sentence of five years in absentia for charges of “opposing the state and inciting terrorism.” This detention occurred shortly after Al-Qaradawi posted a video celebrating the fall of Syrian leader Bashar Assad, which provoked outrage in Egypt, particularly among supporters of the current Egyptian regime.
In accordance with judicial proceedings, Lebanese authorities will consult with their Egyptian counterparts regarding Al-Qaradawi’s case, determining if the criteria for extradition are satisfied. His father, Yusuf Al-Qaradawi, also faced imprisonment in Egypt for his ties to the Muslim Brotherhood before passing away in 2022 while in exile in Qatar. Notably, the Muslim Brotherhood has been classified as a terrorist organization in Egypt since 2013, leading to the incarceration of numerous members and advocates.
Abdul Rahman Al-Qaradawi is closely linked to the history of the Muslim Brotherhood, a group long considered radical by the Egyptian government. His father, Yusuf Al-Qaradawi, was a renowned Sunni scholar who became a symbol of the Brotherhood’s ideology and faced repeated imprisonment throughout his lifetime. After the Arab Spring uprising in 2011, public demonstrations against the Egyptian state escalated, resulting in President Mubarak’s downfall. Subsequently, opposition against President El-Sisi intensified, leading to further governmental crackdowns on dissenters, including members of the Brotherhood. The political environment is particularly charged, given the recent upheaval in Syria and the role of figures like Al-Qaradawi in the opposition to both Assad and Sisi.
The recent arrest of Abdul Rahman Al-Qaradawi in Lebanon underscores the contentious relationship between Egyptian authorities and the Muslim Brotherhood. His father’s legacy continues to cast a long shadow over his own endeavors as an activist. The actions taken by Lebanese authorities may lead to significant diplomatic discussions between Lebanon and Egypt regarding potential extradition. Overall, this situation reflects the broader implications of political dissent in the region and the persistent tensions surrounding the Muslim Brotherhood’s legacy post-Arab Spring.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
