Lebanon weighs extraditing former Palestinian envoy accused of corruption
Lebanese officials must decide whether the former ambassador should face trial before Palestinian courts or remain under Lebanese jurisdiction.
The Lebanese government is considering whether to extradite Ashraf Dabbour, the former Palestinian ambassador to Lebanon, to the Palestinian Authority (PA) over corruption allegations. Dabbour denies the charges, claiming they are retaliation for his objections to the handling of PLO properties. He was initially detained at Beirut's airport in April on an Interpol Red Notice, issued at the PA's request.
He was released after questioning but was re-arrested in August by Lebanese authorities, who referred the case to the government pending supporting documents from Ramallah.
Palestinian prosecutors allege Dabbour misappropriated embassy funds, used some to purchase properties under false names, and concealed revenue from PLO projects. Dabbour contends that his prosecution stems from a dispute over PLO property in Lebanon and accuses Yasser Abbas, son of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, of political and security influence against him.
He posted allegations on Facebook, claiming Yasser Abbas improperly sold a PLO office building and its surrounding land in Beirut for less than its assessed value.
Dabbour's family argues that the alleged transactions, witnesses, and documentary evidence are in Lebanon and that his father should be tried in the country where the alleged crimes took place. They do not seek immunity from prosecution. The National Human Rights Commission has urged Lebanon not to extradite Dabbour without further judicial review, citing concerns over potential torture, arbitrary detention, and denial of a fair trial under the Convention against Torture.
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