Watan–Lebanese authorities have deported poet and activist Abdel Rahman Yusuf Al-Qaradawi to the UAE, following significant demands and pressures from Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed. This swift decision has sparked widespread political and human rights criticism, particularly as it comes amid Lebanon’s severe internal crises, with accusations against the government for compromising its sovereignty to serve political and economic interests.
According to informed sources, Al-Qaradawi was handed over to Abu Dhabi after a private jet arrived at Beirut airport just hours after the decision was made. This incident highlights the UAE’s growing influence within Lebanese institutions.
The pressure exerted by Mohammed bin Zayed on caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati—who aspires to run for the Lebanese presidency—played a crucial role, with promises of future political and financial support in exchange for complying with the UAE’s request.
Despite Al-Qaradawi having committed no crime other than expressing his opinions and criticisms of the Egyptian and Emirati regimes, Lebanese authorities acted swiftly to arrest and extradite him, bypassing all legal and human rights considerations. He was denied access to his lawyer, barred from contacting his family, and forcibly deported to the UAE, where he now faces an uncertain fate in detention facilities notorious for severe human rights abuses.
International human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, have expressed deep concern over this move, warning that Al-Qaradawi may face torture or arbitrary detention upon arrival in the UAE, given its poor track record in handling dissidents.
Reports reveal that the Lebanese government did not grant him any opportunity to appeal or challenge the deportation decision, raising serious questions about the independence of Lebanon’s judiciary and the extent to which political and external pressures influence its decisions.
This case echoes similar incidents in the region, where the UAE has exerted substantial pressure on various countries to extradite its critics and opponents, leveraging its financial and political clout. Struggling with a severe economic crisis, Lebanon appears increasingly beholden to external interests, making decisions that disregard legal and human rights standards.
Al-Qaradawi’s deportation followed his critical remarks about UAE policies and Mohammed bin Zayed’s leadership, which provoked a strong response from the Emirati leadership. Reports indicate that negotiations for his extradition were concluded in less than 48 hours, underscoring Abu Dhabi’s considerable sway over Beirut.
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