Amnesty International has called on Turkish authorities to immediately cease the extradition of Mohamad Alkayali, a Syrian refugee and activist, currently detained in Istanbul. They emphasise that his deportation to Saudi Arabia poses severe risks to his human rights, especially considering his existing medical condition—a severe cervical herniated disc requiring surgery.
Alkayali has legally resided in Türkiye since 2014, until his arrest on December 28, 2024, following an INTERPOL Red Notice issued at Saudi Arabia’s request in January 2016. This notice accuses him of “forgery of seals,” based on vague allegations appearing three years after he left Saudi Arabia. Amnesty highlights that this Red Notice appears to be politically motivated, aimed at suppressing dissent.
INTERPOL’s Constitution prohibits actions based on political motives, and its rules demand that Red Notices be supported by substantial judicial information—criteria not met in Alkayali’s case. Concerns have also emerged regarding the Saudi government’s request to keep the Red Notice confidential, raising questions about transparency and its legitimacy.
His family and lawyers are imploring Turkish authorities to honour international human rights commitments and protect him from possible refoulement. Extradition could lead to significant dangers for Alkayali, given Saudi Arabia’s history of repression against activists, who face harsh sanctions under ambiguous cybercrime and anti-terrorism regulations.
A former IT consultant, Alkayali left Saudi Arabia in 2013 after facing harassment for his outspoken criticism of the government’s treatment of Syrian refugees. His activism, particularly regarding Saudi Arabia’s stringent asylum policies, prompted him to seek refuge in Türkiye, where he has remained compliant with local laws since then.
Amnesty International has urged Türkiye to halt the extradition of Syrian refugee Mohamad Alkayali, warning of severe human rights risks if he is sent back to Saudi Arabia. Alkayali, detained since December 2024 following an INTERPOL Red Notice, faces possible violations including arbitrary detention and torture. His extradition could expose him to significant dangers due to Saudi Arabia’s crackdown on dissent and his previous activism against the government.
The situation surrounding Mohamad Alkayali underscores the critical intersection of human rights and political dissent. Amnesty International’s urgent plea points to the perils of his potential extradition, highlighting the inherent risks faced by activists under oppressive regimes. As the call for Türkiye to honour its human rights obligations resonates, the case serves as a reminder of the need for protection against arbitrary state actions targeting dissenters.
Original Source: www.jurist.org
