Geneva rights group questions rapid deportation of alleged terror suspect from Indonesia to Cyprus

The Geneva Council on Human Rights and Freedoms has voiced serious concerns regarding the swift arrest and deportation of 41-year-old Abdul Karim Miqdad from Indonesia to Cyprus. The human rights organization warns that the rapid process could be a step towards his extradition to Israel.

Cypriot police accuse Miqdad of masterminding a terrorist cell that allegedly planned attacks targeting Israeli interests within the Republic of Cyprus. The investigation has led to the arrest and ongoing trial of three Palestinian men, aged 33, 38, and 54, in Cyprus. An additional 37-year-old man was arrested in Crete in early June in connection with the same case.

According to the case files presented in Cypriot courts, Miqdad, who reportedly resided in Malaysia, is accused of directing other members of the network to construct high-explosive devices. The alleged purpose was to carry out attacks against Israeli interests in Cyprus.

Miqdad was apprehended in Indonesia on the 16th of the month and deported to Cyprus the following day, where he was subsequently detained by Cypriot police. The speed of this deportation process has drawn objections from Palestinian communities and rights advocates, who question whether human rights were adequately protected. The Palestine Chronicle news site highlighted these concerns, echoing the statement made by the Geneva Council for Human Rights and Freedoms (GCRL), a Geneva-based NGO that participates in international forums, including UN sessions, to report on human rights issues.

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The rapid sequence of events has raised concerns that the deportation could be a step towards his extradition to Israel.