Egyptian-Turkish poet Abdul Rahman Al-Qaradawi has been subjected to enforced disappearance since his extradition from Lebanon to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on 8 January 2025. Abdul Rahman Al-Qaradawi was arrested by Lebanese security forces on 28 December at the Masnaa border crossing between Lebanon and Syria. The Lebanese authorities accepted the extradition request by the Emirati authorities on charges of spreading “fake news” and “disturbing public security”, in connection to a video he posted on his social media platforms while in Syria criticizing Egyptian, Emirati and Saudi Arabian authorities. Concerns for his safety and wellbeing are mounting as his family has been unable to obtain any information about his fate, exact whereabouts or legal status; and he has been denied consular visits by Turkish authorities.
