Lebanon Approves Extradition of Activist Abdul Rahman al-Qaradawi to UAE

Rights groups warn of severe human rights risks as Lebanon moves to extradite Egyptian-Turkish activist critical of regional governments.

Lebanese authorities have approved the extradition of Abdul Rahman al-Qaradawi, an Egyptian-Turkish activist and poet, to the UAE following his December arrest.
Amnesty International and other rights groups have condemned the decision, citing risks of torture, arbitrary detention, and unfair trials in both the UAE and Egypt.
Al-Qaradawi, a vocal critic of Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, was detained after posting a video critical of these governments during a visit to Syria.
The activist was convicted in absentia in Egypt in 2017 on charges deemed politically motivated by rights organizations, including spreading false news.
His lawyers plan to file an urgent appeal, while Amnesty International has called the case a test of Lebanon's commitment to human rights and international law.