Free Salim Alaradi Campaign
Press Release – July 23, 2015
Released Libyan Businessmen from UAE Prison Break their Silence
Salim Alaradi - Canadian Citizen Detained in UAE for 329 Days
Salam Alaradi, a Libyan-Canadian citizen, was detained on August 28, 2014. He was one of 10 known Libyan businessmen to be detained without charge. The UAE authorities denied Alaradi’s detainment until months later. Mohamad Alaradi, Salim’s brother and business partner, was also detained as part of this sweep of Libyan Nationals as well.
In December 2014, four of the ten detainees were randomly released and deported from the UAE without being provided reasons for their detainment and release. Mohamad Alaradi was one of these released detainees. Since their release, all four have decided to remain silent.
Today, the four released businessmen have issued a joint statement, breaking their silence, in which they share information of their detainment including secret prisons, torture and forced deportation in hopes that this information will assist with the immediate and unconditional release of the remaining detainees.
Official Statement by Libyan Businessmen Released in the UAE
Marwa, Alaradi’s eldest daughter, has been reaching out for help from Members of Parliament of all parties, Foreign Affairs, human rights organizations and media. Recently the story of her father has captured the attention of several media outlets.
“Over the last several months I have learnt a lot about campaigning for my father’s return home. I have come to understand that my father’s case will not be resolved by the consular staff that are helping us, while I am grateful to them. It requires political and diplomatic efforts to release him. I am very concerned with the approach of the elections that the attention to my father’s case will fade away.” says Marwa.
Recent Media Coverage:
CBC The Current - Canadian detained in UAE without charge since August
Our Winsor - Windsor family wants their father home as Ramadan ends
Windsor Star - Canadian Muslim spending Ramadan in Emirati prison without charge
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
