The family of detained Egyptian poet Abdulrahman Al-Qaradawi has urged Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati to intervene for his release, citing unjust accusations from Egypt. They have raised concerns over potential extradition to the UAE, warning it would be unlawful and pose a risk to his safety due to documented human rights violations in the region.
The family of Abdulrahman Al-Qaradawi, an Egyptian poet currently detained in Lebanon, has formally petitioned Prime Minister Najib Mikati for his immediate release. The family has stated that Al-Qaradawi’s imprisonment stems from what they label as malicious accusations and an unjust verdict from an Egyptian court issued in 2017 for allegedly disseminating false information and media critiques during a crackdown on dissent in Egypt under President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi. They expressed deep concern for Al-Qaradawi’s safety and urged the Lebanese government to prevent any extradition that could jeopardize his life due to the documented human rights violations in Egypt and the UAE.
The family is particularly troubled by reports suggesting that Lebanon may hand Al-Qaradawi over to the UAE before an upcoming parliamentary session where a new president will be elected. According to his Lebanese attorney, this potential extradition would be unlawful, especially given the absence of an extradition treaty between Lebanon and the UAE, and due to Al-Qaradawi’s non-citizenship in the UAE. Legal experts have warned that extraditing him to a country known for severe human rights abuses, such as the UAE and Egypt, would contravene Lebanon’s obligations under various international human rights agreements.
Al-Qaradawi was detained at Beirut International Airport upon arriving from Syria, following collaboration between Lebanese and Egyptian authorities to track dissenters abroad. Since the 2011 Egyptian revolution, which he actively participated in, he has openly criticized the Sisi regime, aligning himself with liberal political movements. His father, Yusuf Al-Qaradawi, was a prominent figure in the Muslim Brotherhood, raising further complexities regarding his family’s political history.
Abdulrahman Al-Qaradawi is an Egyptian poet and writer who has faced significant political persecution for his opposition to the current Egyptian regime. His detention in Lebanon has drawn international attention, as it raises critical questions about human rights, legal integrity, and the treatment of political dissenters. The ongoing relationship between Lebanon and its Gulf neighbors, specifically the UAE, further complicates the geopolitical dynamics surrounding his case, pressing Lebanon to uphold its commitment to international law.
In conclusion, the situation surrounding Abdulrahman Al-Qaradawi’s detention highlights critical issues of political dissent and human rights violations. The demands from his family reflect a broader call for legal and humanitarian considerations in Lebanon’s judicial processes, particularly regarding extradition. The case emphasizes the potential risks faced by political dissidents in the region and Lebanon’s obligations under international treaties to protect individuals from torture and ill-treatment.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
