More than 30 human rights organizations have collectively advocated for the immediate release of Abdulrahman Yusuf Al-Qaradawi, who has been detained in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) since January. In an open letter addressed to leaders in the United Kingdom and the European Union, these organizations are urging the use of diplomatic leverage to facilitate Al-Qaradawi’s release and return to Türkiye.
The letter underscores the argument that the arbitrary detention of individuals like Al-Qaradawi without fair trial guarantees challenges the integrity of international human rights protections. It calls for urgent diplomatic actions to ensure his fundamental rights are upheld and that he is reunited with his family. There are demands for transparency in Al-Qaradawi’s legal process, including access to legal representation. Efforts are urged using diplomatic influence, both publicly and privately, along with economic ties to press for his release.
The UK and the EU have significant economic ties with the UAE, which raises questions about how they balance trade relations with human rights considerations. For instance, the UK has a $1 billion partnership with the UAE to fund life science companies, while the EU signed a cooperation agreement with the UAE. Rights groups argue that Al-Qaradawi’s detainment contravenes rights under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).
Al-Qaradawi, a dual Egyptian-Turkish national, was apprehended in December at a border crossing between Syria and Lebanon. According to Amnesty International, this arrest was partly due to his conviction in absentia by an Egyptian court in 2017, implicating him in spreading false news and insulting the judiciary. There have been allegations against Egypt of detaining human rights activists arbitrarily.
In January, Al-Qaradawi was extradited to the UAE, allegedly due to a video expressing views on Syria’s future and foreign intervention. The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights reported that Al-Qaradawi has been denied access to legal counsel since, with his status unknown.
The UAE faces broader scrutiny from human rights organizations internationally, including being involved in a case at the International Court of Justice related to Sudan. Groups have also urged entities like the NBA to sever ties with the UAE over its controversial international actions.
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