UAE President Pardons Egyptian Activist, Nullifying 10-Year Sentence
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed has pardoned Egyptian activist Abdul Rahman al-Qaradawi, days after his 10-year prison sentence for security charges.
Lauren Collins ·
United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Friday pardoned Egyptian opposition activist Abdul Rahman al-Qaradawi, effectively nullifying a 10-year prison sentence. The decision followed an August 27 ruling by the Abu Dhabi Federal Court of Appeal, which had convicted al-Qaradawi of undermining public security and imposed a 200,000 dirham ($55,000) fine.
Al-Qaradawi, the son of the late Muslim Brotherhood spiritual leader Yusuf al-Qaradawi, was initially detained in Lebanon in December 2024 before his extradition to the UAE in January 2025. His detention drew international scrutiny, with human rights organizations and United Nations experts advocating for his release, citing concerns that his prosecution stemmed from the exercise of free speech.
High-Profile Legal Case Concludes
United Arab Emirates President
The presidential pardon brings an end to a high-profile legal case that had strained diplomatic and humanitarian discourse. State news agency WAM confirmed authorities have initiated necessary procedures to implement the pardon, though a specific timeline for al-Qaradawi's release remains unconfirmed.
Diplomatic and Human Rights Implications
His family had warned in January 2025 that The case had attracted significant attention from international bodies. Rights groups and UN experts had specifically called for al-Qaradawi's release, arguing that his arrest related to his right to free speech. His family had warned in January 2025 that extradition to any country demanding him could endanger his life.
The pardon marks a notable development in the UAE's approach to cases involving activists, following international pressure.