UAE Pardons Egyptian-Turkish Poet Al-Qaradawi

United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has issued a presidential pardon for Egyptian-Turkish poet and activist Abdul Rahman al-Qaradawi, state news agency WAM reported on Friday, September 4, 2026. The clemency comes just days after al-Qaradawi was sentenced to 10 years in prison and fined 200,000 dirhams (approximately $55,000 USD) by the Abu Dhabi Federal Court of Appeals Cybercrime Division on August 27, 2026. Al-Qaradawi was arrested in Lebanon in December 2024 and subsequently extradited to the UAE in January 2025. He faced charges related to engaging in activities aimed at stirring and undermining public security, stemming from a notice issued by the Arab Interior Ministers Council via Interpol. This notice was reportedly linked to an in absentia verdict by Egyptian judicial authorities on charges including broadcasting false news and inciting violence. The presidential pardon was announced on Friday, and WAM confirmed that the necessary procedures to implement it have been completed.