Abdulrahman Yusuf al-Qaradawi, a 55-year-old Egyptian-Turkish poet and political activist, has been subjected to enforced disappearance since his extradition to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on January 8, 2025. Initially arrested by Lebanese security forces on December 28, 2024, at the Masnaa border crossing between Lebanon and Syria, his detention was reportedly based on a complaint from the Emirati Attorney General concerning a video he shared on social media. Despite international appeals, Lebanese authorities proceeded with his extradition to the UAE, where his current whereabouts and condition remain unknown.
Human rights organizations have expressed deep concern over the violations al-Qaradawi has faced. The lack of information about his status, conditions of imprisonment, and denial of access to legal representation and family communication contravene international human rights standards. These actions raise serious concerns about his physical and psychological well-being, as well as his right to due process and fair trial.
As Right Defenders, urgently calls upon UAE authorities to:
- Clarify Abdulrahman Yusuf al-Qaradawi’s current legal status, whereabouts, and conditions of detention.
- Facilitate communication between him, his family, and his legal representatives, in accordance with international human rights standards.
- Ensure he is afforded all legal safeguards, including access to due process and fair trial rights.
- Guarantee his physical and psychological well-being, including allowing consular visits from the Turkish embassy.
We emphasize that adherence to these measures is crucial to uphold international human rights obligations and to ensure the safety and rights of Abdulrahman Yusuf al-Qaradawi.
Sources:
