Human Rights Watch has condemned the UAE for its ongoing pattern of unjust trials and torture, emphasizing that verbal guarantees of fair treatment are insufficient against the backdrop of grave human rights violations in the country. This assertion arose following the Lebanese government’s January 8 decision to deport Abdulrahman Yusuf Al-Qaradawi, a poet of dual Egyptian and Turkish citizenship, to the UAE, where he faces imminent risks of torture and unfair legal proceedings.
Al-Qaradawi was arrested on December 28, 2024, at a border crossing while returning from Syria, due to an arrest warrant from Egypt. Following this, the UAE issued its own request for his extradition, citing allegations of spreading false news and disrupting public order. Al-Qaradawi’s lawyer highlighted that the social media post prompting the UAE’s request does not violate international law, thereby undermining the authenticity of the charges against him.
Ramzi Kays, a researcher at Human Rights Watch, emphasized the broader implications of Al-Qaradawi’s deportation, deeming it a significant blow to Lebanon’s rule of law. He lamented that Lebanon’s willingness to deport individuals for peaceful criticism of another state signals its complicity in human rights violations, rushing to appease powerful Gulf regimes. This highlights a troubling trend in Lebanon’s respect for international obligations.
Although Al-Qaradawi is not a UAE citizen nor was he in the UAE at the time of the alleged offenses, the Lebanese government prioritized the extradition process. On January 8, his lawyer appealed the deportation decision before Lebanon’s highest administrative court, but the Lebanese authorities proceeded without awaiting the court’s ruling, further raising concerns about due process in Lebanon.
Al-Qaradawi is accused of political offenses that carry heavy penalties in both Egypt and the UAE. His lawyer had earlier pleaded with Lebanese authorities to block his extradition, warning of the severe treatment he might receive upon return. Instead, the Lebanese government endorsed the extradition after receiving a recommendation from the Public Prosecutor’s Office.
Human Rights Watch stressed that Lebanon’s actions violate both domestic laws and international obligations, particularly the Convention Against Torture, to which Lebanon is a signatory. Under the Lebanese Penal Code, extradition requests stemming from political crimes should be rejected, and the Convention categorically prohibits returning individuals to countries where they face the risk of torture.
The UAE has witnessed a crackdown on human rights over the last decade, leading to unjust imprisonments of critics under vague charges. Many have been subjected to lengthy solitary confinement, regarded by human rights advocates as a form of torture. The recent mass trials in the UAE further illustrate the systemic violations of due process and fair trial rights.
Despite UAE officials’ assurances of humane treatment for Al-Qaradawi, Human Rights Watch maintains that such promises are rendered hollow by the UAE’s documented history of rights abuses. Repressive measures against freedom of expression have become commonplace, particularly targeting expatriates. The situation reveals a grave reality where dissent is ruthlessly quashed under the guise of national security, leaving critics vulnerable to dire consequences.
Human Rights Watch criticizes the UAE’s unjust legal system in light of Abdulrahman Yusuf Al-Qaradawi’s deportation from Lebanon, asserting that verbal assurances of fair treatment can’t hide the country’s history of human rights abuses. Al-Qaradawi faces severe risks of torture and miscarriage of justice upon his return, highlighting Lebanon’s troubling compliance with repressive regimes.
In summary, Human Rights Watch’s condemnation of the UAE’s record on unjust trials and torture underscores a significant violation of human rights, particularly evident in the case of Abdulrahman Yusuf Al-Qaradawi. The deportation of individuals for peaceful criticism demonstrates a troubling collusion between Lebanon and the UAE. This situation amplifies fears about the safety and treatment of critics abroad, revealing a critical need for adherence to international human rights standards.
The article discusses the serious allegations made by Human Rights Watch against the United Arab Emirates regarding its judicial practices, including unjust trials and the use of torture. These concerns are heightened by the recent deportation of a poet from Lebanon to the UAE, highlighting broader issues related to the treatment of political dissenters and international human rights laws. The involvement of Lebanese authorities in extraditing an individual based on flimsy charges has raised alarms about the erosion of legal protections and respect for human rights in Lebanon and the UAE.
Original Source: www.watanserb.com
