Palestinian scholars warn against extraditing Sheikh Miqdad to Israel

The Palestinian Scholars Association has warned against the possible extradition of its member, Sheikh Abdul Karim Raed Miqdad, to the Israeli authorities after he was arrested in Indonesia and urgently deported to Cyprus. It said the case requires immediate legal and diplomatic action to prevent him from being placed at risk.

In a statement, the association said it was following the case with “grave concern”. It called on the Indonesian government to clarify the legal basis for Sheikh Miqdad’s arrest and deportation, disclose the charges against him, and ensure he is granted fair trial guarantees.

The association also urged the Cypriot authorities to halt any procedures that could lead to his extradition to Israel and to guarantee his right to legal representation and communication with his lawyer and family. It said the principle of non-refoulement prohibits the transfer of any person to a place where they could face torture or cruel treatment.

It called on the Palestinian Foreign Ministry, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, the Arab League, and Arab and Muslim governments to take urgent legal and diplomatic action and establish an international legal defence team to follow the case. It also urged human rights organisations and media outlets to continue monitoring the case and keep it in the public eye.

The association said handing Sheikh Miqdad over to the Israeli authorities would constitute a violation of international law and pose a threat to his safety. It called for his release or for him to be allowed to travel to a safe country where his rights and dignity would be protected.

According to the arrest warrant, the Indonesian authorities detained Miqdad following a request issued through Interpol for the arrest of a suspect considered to be at risk of fleeing or destroying or concealing evidence, requiring his immediate detention, according to the document.