A Month Since the UAE Detained Abdul Rahman Al-Qaradawi, No Updates on His Whereabouts
42 human rights organizations have expressed deep concern over the enforced disappearance of poet and writer Abdul Rahman Yusuf Al-Qaradawi and the lack of any information regarding his legal status, place of detention, and safety following his forcible deportation from Lebanon to Abu Dhabi on January 8.
In a joint statement received by Emirates Leaks, the organizations highlighted that since his deportation, neither his family nor his legal representatives have been able to contact him, and no official information has been provided regarding his legal situation or detention conditions. The statement, signed by Human Rights Watch, emphasized the importance of transparency and the rule of law, calling on UAE authorities to clarify his whereabouts, legal status, and detention conditions in accordance with international human rights standards and the UAE’s legal obligations.
Al-Qaradawi was arrested in Lebanon on December 28, 2024, upon returning from Syria, following an extradition request reportedly issued by the UAE Public Prosecution via the Lebanese Embassy in Abu Dhabi. After his interrogation by the Lebanese Public Prosecutor, the Lebanese Cabinet approved his forcible deportation to the UAE on January 8, citing UAE government assurances that he would be treated in line with international legal standards and that his safety would be guaranteed.
Since his arrival in the UAE, his family and lawyers have been completely unable to contact him, nor has any official clarification been given regarding his legal situation. This lack of transparency has sparked serious concerns over his safety and fundamental legal protections, including the right to regular communication with his family and lawyers, disclosure of his place of detention, access to legal representation, and the ability to receive consular visits.
On January 8, a group of UN special rapporteurs and experts issued a press statement urging Lebanon not to extradite Al-Qaradawi to Abu Dhabi, citing serious concerns for his safety. The experts called on the Lebanese authorities to reconsider their decision in accordance with international legal obligations, which prohibit torture and enforced disappearance and require protection of fundamental rights for all individuals on Lebanese territory.
The ongoing enforced disappearance of Abdul Rahman Yusuf Al-Qaradawi and the complete absence of any information about his legal status, detention conditions, or access to legal representation further reinforce the concerns raised by UN experts.
The human rights organizations urged UAE authorities to immediately disclose his legal status, place of detention, and the conditions in which he is being held. They called for his unrestricted communication with family and legal representatives, in line with international human rights standards, and for his full legal protections to be upheld, including his right to due process and a fair trial. They also stressed the need for clear assurances regarding his physical and psychological well-being, including allowing consular visits from the Turkish Embassy. Ultimately, they demanded his release and safe return to Turkey, where he resides and holds citizenship.
