The arrest of Abdulrahman Yusuf Al-Qaradawi, a poet and activist, has sparked widespread criticism, with human rights organisations urging Lebanon to fulfil its obligations under the Convention Against Torture.
Al-Qaradawi, the son of the late Islamic scholar Yusuf Al-Qaradawi, was detained on 28 December 2024 at the Masnaa border crossing as he returned from Syria.
Alkarama denounced the arrest and called for Al-Qaradawi’s immediate release, warning against any extradition to Egypt or the UAE, where he is at significant risk of torture and ill-treatment. Alkarama reminded Lebanese authorities of their legal duty as a signatory to the UN Convention Against Torture, which prohibits transferring individuals to countries where they are likely to face such abuses. Al-Qaradawi, 54, is a resident of Qatar and holds Turkish citizenship.
His detention reportedly stems from an Interpol warrant issued at Egypt’s request, with the UAE also claiming he is wanted. The arrest came shortly after Al-Qaradawi shared a video from Damascus, in which he criticised the governments of Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt while celebrating the fall of the Syrian regime.
According to his lawyer, Mohamed Sablouh, no mention of an arrest warrant was made when Al-Qaradawi previously entered Lebanon or travelled to Syria, raising concerns about the timing of its activation. Sablouh described the charges as politically motivated and without merit.
Lebanese authorities have stated that the judiciary will request Egypt to provide its judicial file for review before deciding on the extradition request. Al-Qaradawi, however, denies all accusations, maintaining that his actions fall within his right to freedom of expression, as guaranteed by international law and Egypt’s constitution. He also pointed to continued persecution linked to his family name and his late father’s legacy.
The case has drawn international attention, with advocates warning that extradition to Egypt or the UAE would violate Lebanon’s international obligations and expose Al-Qaradawi to severe human rights abuses.