UAE Must Reveal the Fate of Egyptian Poet Abdelrahman Youssef Al-Qaradawi Amid Reports of Torture and Death
Together for Justice expresses its deep concern over the fate of Egyptian poet and activist Abdelrahman Youssef Al-Qaradawi, who has been forcibly disappeared since his unlawful extradition from Lebanon to the UAE on January 8, 2025. Disturbing reports indicate that Al-Qaradawi may have been subjected to torture, with some alleging that he has died in UAE custody. The Emirati authorities’ complete silence and failure to provide any information about his condition or whereabouts only heighten fears about his safety.
The extradition of Al-Qaradawi represents a blatant violation of international law and fundamental legal principles. The UAE’s request for his extradition, issued by its Public Prosecution rather than a judicial authority, lacked any legal or evidentiary basis. Furthermore, Abdelrahman Youssef Al-Qaradawi faces no criminal charges in either the UAE or Lebanon, making his extradition a gross abuse of due process and an affront to established international norms.
The Lebanese authorities’ decision to extradite Al-Qaradawi also defies legal standards. Acting under a politically motivated decision by the Lebanese Cabinet, Al-Qaradawi was denied the right to challenge his extradition in court. This decision directly violates the Riyadh Arab Agreement for Judicial Cooperation, which explicitly prohibits extradition in cases of political charges, as stipulated in Article 41. Yet, the Lebanese government exploited this agreement to facilitate the extradition, disregarding the rights and safety of Al-Qaradawi.
Since arriving in the UAE, Abdelrahman Youssef Al-Qaradawi has been held in complete isolation, with no communication allowed between him, his family, or his lawyer. This forced disappearance contravenes international human rights laws and standards for detainee rights. Reports of his alleged torture and possible death in custody only exacerbate concerns, particularly given the UAE’s documented history of violating prisoners’ rights and using torture as a method of silencing dissent.
Abdelrahman Youssef Al-Qaradawi, a dual Egyptian-Turkish citizen, is a prominent poet and activist who has consistently advocated for democracy and human rights. His vocal opposition to authoritarian regimes has made him a target of political retaliation. The forced disappearance of Al-Qaradawi is part of a broader pattern of cross-border repression employed by some governments to silence their critics.
Together for Justice holds the UAE fully responsible for Al-Qaradawi’s fate and calls for an immediate disclosure of his whereabouts and conditions. We also demand an independent investigation into the allegations of torture and reports of his death, with full accountability for those involved.
Furthermore, we call on the Lebanese authorities to explain their unlawful role in this case, particularly their disregard for international law and the rights of Al-Qaradawi. This grave misstep demonstrates an alarming level of complicity in undermining human rights protections.
We urge the Turkish government, as Al-Qaradawi’s second nationality, to take swift diplomatic action to ascertain his safety and secure his immediate release. The international community must also intensify pressure on the UAE to end these flagrant violations of human rights and to adhere to its obligations under international law.
The case of Abdelrahman Youssef Al-Qaradawi serves as a stark reminder of the increasing trend of cross-border repression and the weaponization of extradition treaties to silence political dissent. Such practices must be universally condemned, and those responsible must be held accountable to prevent further erosion of human rights globally.
