Human Rights Groups Demand Release of Activist Abdulrahman Yusuf Al-Qaradawi

A coalition of over 30 human rights organisations has written to leaders from the UK and EU, demanding the immediate release of Abdulrahman Yusuf Al-Qaradawi, detained in the UAE since January. The letter asserts the need for urgent action to uphold Al-Qaradawi’s rights and return him safely to Türkiye. It highlights a concerning trend where individuals are arbitrarily detained without due process, calling into question the integrity of international human rights laws.

The document urges the use of diplomatic pressure and economic leverage to secure his release. It mentions the pressing need for clear information regarding Al-Qaradawi’s treatment, legal representation access, and transparency in his case. The letter states, “We urge you to utilise diplomatic actions and every available mechanism, public and private pressure, trade and diplomatic leverage…”.

Trade relations between the UK, EU, and UAE necessitate a commitment to fundamental rights, particularly following the UK’s $1 billion deal with the UAE in 2019 and the EU’s cooperation agreement from 2018. Al-Qaradawi’s detention is considered a breach of principles enshrined in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

Abdulrahman Al-Qaradawi, aged 55, was apprehended at the Syrian-Lebanese border while returning from Damascus. He was interrogated by Lebanese authorities about a 2017 Egyptian court ruling that unfairly charged him with disseminating false information. His extradition to the UAE on January 8 stemmed from comments he made about Syria’s future, and since then, he has reportedly been denied legal counsel, with his current status uncertain.

The situation unfolds amid rising scrutiny on the UAE’s human rights record, including a significant case at the International Court of Justice concerning allegations of genocide against Sudan, and calls for American companies like the NBA to sever ties with the UAE for its involvement in atrocities in Sudan.

Over 30 human rights organisations demand the release of Abdulrahman Yusuf Al-Qaradawi from UAE detention, stressing the need for urgent diplomatic intervention to uphold his rights. Al-Qaradawi was detained after being extradited for expressing views on Syria, and has reportedly been denied legal counsel. The letter highlights the ties between the EU, UK, and UAE that require adherence to fundamental rights, drawing attention to the recent resurgence of human rights concerns in the region.

The call for Abdulrahman Yusuf Al-Qaradawi’s release underscores the fragility of human rights protections in the face of political pressures and international relations. Nearly 30 human rights groups have demanded urgent action from UK and EU leaders to ensure that rights violations do not go unchecked. The ramifications of Al-Qaradawi’s case highlight broader issues of arbitrary detention and the need for accountability in international diplomacy, urging that economic ties should not overshadow essential human rights.

Original Source: www.jurist.org

About Raj Patel

Raj Patel is a prominent journalist with more than 15 years of experience in the field. After graduating with honors from the University of California, Berkeley, he began his career as a news anchor before transitioning to reporting. His work has been featured in several prominent outlets, where he has reported on various topics ranging from global politics to local community issues. Raj's expertise in delivering informative and engaging news pieces has established him as a trusted voice in contemporary journalism.

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