UK Nationals Call for Interpol Leader’s Arrest Over UAE Abuse
Matthew Hedges and Ali Issa Ahmad, two British nationals who were allegedly tortured in the UAE, are calling for the arrest of Interpol President Ahmed Nasser Al Raisi, a senior UAE security official, during his visit to Glasgow for the 92nd Interpol General Assembly.
The men, who were detained and subjected to abuse in the UAE, have submitted a formal complaint to Scottish police against Al Raisi, also a high-ranking figure in the UAE’s security forces. Hedges, an academic who was imprisoned for seven months on charges of espionage, believes the Scottish police have a responsibility to act on the complaint. He urged them not to be intimidated and to take appropriate action.
Hedges, who was held in solitary confinement and given medication during his detention, was previously informed that the British Foreign Ministry had failed to recognize signs of potential torture in his case. A formal apology had been issued.
Ahmad, who was tortured in 2019 after being arrested for wearing a Qatar football shirt, also claims ongoing psychological trauma from his ordeal. He calls for justice and accountability, criticizing the UAE for failing to hold those responsible for his abuse to account.
Both men are calling on Scottish authorities to investigate Al Raisi under the principle of universal jurisdiction, which allows suspects to be arrested for torture regardless of where the alleged crimes occurred.
Hedges, who continues to deal with psychological effects from his abuse, insists that the Scottish police have enough evidence to question Al Raisi while he is in the UK. He emphasized that the timing is appropriate, as the Interpol General Assembly begins on Monday and runs through Thursday.
Al Raisi, known for overseeing the UAE’s security operations, has been accused of enabling a system of abuse and torture in the country. Hedges stated that Al Raisi should not be treated differently from any other suspect.
Ahmad added that the UAE has done nothing to hold the perpetrators accountable, despite the brutality he endured. Both men continue to cope with the long-term effects of their torture, with Ahmad also experiencing anxiety when traveling.
A similar investigation is underway in France, where Interpol is headquartered. Both Hedges and Ahmad claim that Al Raisi was summoned for questioning but failed to appear.
Rodney Dixon KC, representing the men, said Scottish authorities have a duty to investigate the serious allegations of torture. He pointed out that while Al Raisi may not have directly participated in the abuse, he was responsible for overseeing those who carried it out.
Earlier this year, a UK court dismissed a compensation claim from Hedges and Ahmad against UAE officials, including Al Raisi, citing immunity under the State Immunity Act of 1978.
In response to the allegations, an Interpol spokesperson stated, “This matter is between the involved parties,” and the Scottish police confirmed they had received the complaint and would respond accordingly.
