**Cyprus Will Not Extradite Palestinian Suspect to Israel, Indonesian Minister Confirms**
The Cypriot government has assured Indonesia that Palestinian national Abdul Karim Raed Miqdad will not be handed over to Israel, according to Indonesian Immigration Minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra. This statement was made on Tuesday following a meeting where the Cypriot ambassador to Indonesia, Nikos Panayiotou, was summoned due to public concern regarding Miqdad's recent transfer from Indonesia to Cyprus.
Miqdad was transferred to Cyprus last Friday in response to an Interpol red notice issued through the Republic of Cyprus. The communication between Cypriot and Indonesian police regarding this matter reportedly began on May 21. During a press conference at the presidential palace in Jakarta, Minister Yusril emphasized that he had received a commitment from the Cypriot government not to extradite Miqdad to Israel. "I am asking the Cypriot government to commit to not doing so. He has given a pledge that they do not intend to hand the person in question over to Israel," Yusril stated.
The Indonesian minister clarified that Miqdad had been living in Indonesia for three years and rejected claims that he was a Palestinian scientist and humanitarian activist in Gaza. Instead, he described Miqdad as "but an ordinary man" aged 41, asserting that Indonesian authorities had not identified any humanitarian activities he had engaged in during his time in Gaza.
Yusril explained that Indonesia proceeded with the transfer of Miqdad because it does not have an extradition treaty with Cyprus. He noted that the case was being managed under the Interpol process, which governs how countries handle individuals transferred under such notices. While he did not disclose specific details regarding the alleged offenses, he mentioned that the case involves suspected transnational organized crime. "This is an individual case of suspected crimes committed in another country. It has no relation whatsoever to supporting or not supporting Palestinian independence," he added.
The transfer of Miqdad has attracted significant attention, particularly from human rights organizations. The Geneva Council for Rights and Liberties, a non-governmental organization, has urged Cyprus to refrain from extraditing Miqdad without conducting a thorough judicial review. The organization highlighted that Miqdad was arrested in Indonesia based on an Interpol notice issued through Cyprus, and they expressed concerns regarding the lack of clarity surrounding the allegations against him. They noted that the documents reviewed did not provide substantial evidence or a clear description of the suspected offenses.
Furthermore, the Geneva Council emphasized that an Interpol red notice does not exempt states from their obligations under international human rights law. They raised alarms that Miqdad's transfer could potentially lead to an extradition request from Israel, which has heightened public concern and scrutiny.
The backdrop of this situation includes ongoing investigations by Cypriot police into alleged terrorism activities in Larnaca, involving planned attacks against Israeli interests. Four suspects have been arrested in connection with this case, and investigations are still underway, further complicating the legal landscape surrounding Miqdad's situation.
As the situation develops, both Indonesian and Cypriot authorities are under pressure to navigate the complexities of international law, human rights obligations, and diplomatic relations. The assurance from Cyprus regarding Miqdad's status may alleviate some immediate concerns, but the case continues to be a focal point of discussion regarding the rights of individuals facing potential extradition and the implications of international law in such matters.