Free Salim Alaradi Campaign
Press Release – June 30, 2015
Salim Alaradi’s Detainment Renewed for 30 days – Renewal #10
Canadian Citizen Detained in UAE for 307 Days
Salim Alaradi’s detainment has been renewed every 30 days by the UAE State Security Attorney. Today his detainment has been renewed for the 10th time. Alaradi has not been allowed a lawyer during the renewal sessions. As well the Canadian Mission has not been extended permission to observe the renewal sessions. To date no allegations been made.
Alaradi is a Canadian-Libyan citizen who has been unjustly and arbitrarily detained by the United Arab Emirates Security Services for over 307 days without any charges in the Wathba Prison in Abu Dhabi. Alaradi is not allowed any communication with his family members.
Since his daughter, Marwa, visited Ottawa no significant progress has been made towards Alaradi’s release. Her Member of Parliament, Brian Masse, has issued a letter to the UAE authorities calling for Alaradi’s release.
Marwa’s uncle visited Geneva on June 18-19 2015 and submitted an application to the Special Procedures Branch of the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. He also spoke at a UN event. His testimony can be watched on the campaign website.
Alaradi’s health is in critical condition. He has a number of pre-existing conditions prior to his detention that have increased in severity as a direct result of the detention, along with new medical complaints caused by his detention.
The Canadian government and the international community should intervene for Alaradi’s immediate release.
Recent Media Coverage:
http://blogs.windsorstar.com/news/windsor-teen-fighting-for-fathers-freedom
https://news.vice.com/article/canadian-teenager-pleads-for-release-of-father-detained-in-uae
Human Rights Organization Reports:
Amnesty Urgent Action – April 17 2015
Amnesty Urgent Action – September 24, 2014
Background:
Between August and September 2014 the UAE Authorities detained 10 foreign business men of Libyan nationality. These 10 include two Canadians and two Americans. Many of the detainees have lived in the UAE for over two decades and have contributed to its business community and are highly respected.
The UAE Authorities would not share the whereabouts of the detainees with their families for several months. No charges have been made and reasons for the detainment have not been provided to families or to the Libyan and Canadian authorities.
Amnesty International has issued two Urgent Actions, most recently in March of 2015. Human Rights Watch has also issued a report.
Detainees have been denied legal counsel and their families are not able to engage lawyers until the detainees are placed into the judicial system. Human rights organizations have suggested the arrests are politically motivated to place pressure on the Libyan government in which the UAE government does not support.
Family and friends began their campaign in April through social media and have gained significant following and support from Canadians from across the country. Over 2500 Canadians have signed an online petition calling for Salim’s release.
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For more information contact the Alaradi family at [email protected]
For more details about the case please visit:
Campaign Website http://www.freesalimalaradi.com/
Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/freesalimalaradi
Twitter Account https://twitter.com/freesalimaradi
Youtube Channel https://www.youtube.com/c/freesalimalaradi
