Abdul Rahman al-Qaradawi’s family has appealed to Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati, seeking to prevent his extradition to Egypt due to serious safety concerns. Al-Qaradawi, an outspoken critic of the Egyptian government, was arrested at the Lebanese-Syrian border under an Egyptian warrant. The family fears that his deportation could lead to his torture or worse, citing Egypt’s record on human rights violations against political dissidents.
The family of esteemed Egyptian opposition activist Abdul Rahman al-Qaradawi has formally approached Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati, imploring him to avert their relative’s extradition to Egypt. Concerned for his safety, the family highlighted the imminent risks associated with his deportation, given al-Qaradawi is under threat due to his outspoken opposition against the Egyptian government.
Al-Qaradawi, who has been residing in Istanbul, was apprehended at the Masnaa border crossing after entering Lebanon from Syria, prompted by an Egyptian arrest warrant. His family emphasized the potential dangers he would face, particularly highlighting a five-year prison sentence in absentia levied against him for charges including “opposing the state and inciting terrorism.” They express their trust in Lebanon’s commitment to human rights and freedom, urging prompt intervention for his release.
The activist has faced longstanding political persecution, being a noted adversary of former President Hosni Mubarak and current President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. As a Turkish citizen, his family worries that extraditing al-Qaradawi could expose him to severe human rights violations, possibly including torture, given Egypt’s current crackdown on dissent. His family’s plea is part of a broader campaign advocating for his safe return to Turkey, where his three daughters await his return with hopeful anticipation.
Abdul Rahman al-Qaradawi is a prominent Egyptian activist and the son of the late Yusuf al-Qaradawi, a leading figure in the Muslim Brotherhood. He has garnered attention for his opposition to various Egyptian regimes, particularly against Hosni Mubarak and the current leadership of Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. Al-Qaradawi’s recent arrest in Lebanon stems from an Egyptian arrest warrant due to his political activities and writings, creating grave concerns regarding his safety and potential torture if returned to Egypt. His family maintains he is at dire risk due to the prevalent human rights abuses in Egypt, which are widely documented by international organizations.
The case of Abdul Rahman al-Qaradawi underscores the precarious situation facing political dissidents in the region and highlights the responsibility of Lebanon to uphold human rights principles. With the family urging the Lebanese government to act swiftly, their campaign for his release reflects a desperate hope for his safety and the protection of freedom of expression in Lebanon and beyond. The pending decision regarding his extradition remains a critical matter of justice and humanitarian consideration.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
