A Palestinian activist was arrested in Indonesia and deported to Cyprus in less than 24 hours, prompting the Geneva Council for Rights and Liberties to express concern that the transfer could pave the way for his possible extradition to Israel.
According to the organisation, Abdul Karim Raed Miqdad was arrested under an Interpol Red Notice issued through the Interpol National Central Bureau in Nicosia.
The group said an arrest warrant obtained by Al Jazeera cited concerns that Miqdad could flee or conceal evidence, while also referring to Indonesia’s anti-terrorism legislation.
Although the warrant reportedly allowed for detention of up to two weeks, Miqdad was arrested on Thursday and deported to Cyprus on Friday morning, less than 24 hours later.
“No evidence presented”
The Geneva Council said documents it reviewed did not specify the acts attributed to Miqdad, nor did they include supporting evidence or a clear description of the allegations against him.
According to the organisation, this raises serious questions about whether his fundamental rights were respected, including his right to be informed of the reasons for his arrest and to challenge the proceedings through legal channels.
The rights group also stressed that the existence of an Interpol Red Notice does not exempt states from their obligations under international human rights law.
Fears of extradition to Israel
The Geneva Council linked Miqdad’s deportation to concerns that Cyprus could receive a request for his extradition to Israel.
The organisation cited reports by international bodies and United Nations mechanisms alleging torture, ill-treatment, sexual violence, denial of legal safeguards and the deaths of Palestinian detainees in Israeli prisons.
It also said Miqdad’s family believes the case may be politically motivated because of his public advocacy for Palestinian rights and his opposition to the war in Gaza.
Appeal to Cyprus
The Geneva Council called on the Cypriot authorities not to initiate any extradition process that could result in Miqdad being transferred to Israel until a full and independent judicial review of the case has been completed.
The organisation also referred to the international principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits the transfer of individuals to countries where they face a real risk of torture or other serious human rights violations.
At the time of publication, the Cypriot authorities had not issued a public statement on the case, and no details of the allegations reportedly facing Abdul Karim Raed Miqdad had been made public.
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