Amnesty International urges Lebanon to reject extradition requests for poet Abdul Rahman Al-Qaradawi from Egypt and UAE, fearing he would face persecution. Detained arbitrarily after criticizing these governments, Al-Qaradawi’s case raises serious human rights concerns regarding freedom of expression.
In response to extradition requests from Egypt and the UAE regarding poet Abdul Rahman Al-Qaradawi, Amnesty International has urged Lebanese authorities to reject these requests. Al-Qaradawi, known for his criticism of these governments, was detained arbitrarily by Lebanese security forces upon his arrival from Syria. The organization warns that his return to Egypt or UAE could result in severe human rights violations, including torture and wrongful imprisonment, emphasizing that voicing political dissent should not be criminalized.
Abdul Rahman Al-Qaradawi, an Egyptian-Turkish poet, was detained in Lebanon on December 28, 2024, after criticizing the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt during a visit to Syria. His criticism, captured in a widely circulated video, led to his arrest at the Lebanese-Syrian border. The extradition requests he faces stem from a politically motivated 2017 conviction in Egypt related to spreading false news, with concerns that he may face persecution if extradited. Al-Qaradawi is currently residing in Türkiye, where he has sought refuge due to the risks he would encounter in his home country.
The case of Abdul Rahman Al-Qaradawi represents a critical moment for Lebanon’s commitment to upholding freedom of expression and human rights. Amnesty International calls on Lebanese authorities to prioritize human rights over political considerations by rejecting extradition requests that could lead to severe abuses. Immediate release and the option for Al-Qaradawi to travel to a safe destination are essential for safeguarding his rights.
Original Source: www.amnesty.org
