Scholars Ask Interpol To Remove Qaradawi From 'Wanted List'

A group of Muslim scholars, academics and intellectuals on Monday called on the international police organization, widely known as Interpol, to remove the name of prominent Muslim cleric Sheikh Youssef al-Qaradawi from its list of wanted persons.



In a statement signed by 300 Muslim scholars, academics and intellectuals, they said that any harm that befell Sheikh al-Qaradawi would amount to harm befalling them.



"It also amounts to harm befalling moderate Islam in general," the signatories added.



Scholars and intellectuals lashed out at the recent addition of the prominent cleric's name to Interpol's wanted list, describing the move as an "irresponsible" act and an "insult" to Islam and Muslims.



In a statement, academics and intellectuals described Sheikh al-Qaradawi as an "imam," or leader, of Islamic moderation and an important theologian.



Ten days ago, Interpol issued arrest warrants for a number of Muslim Brotherhood figures, including al-Qaradawi, who holds both Egyptian and Qatari nationalities.



The warrant was issued at the request of the Egyptian authorities.



Interpol said al-Qaradawi had been accused of inciting murder and helping inmates escape from prison.



Sheikh al-Qaradawi is the head of the International Union of Muslim Scholars.



He is part of a list of suspects – including ousted Egyptian president Mohamed Morsi – accused of staging a jailbreak in Egypt and helping inmates escape prison during the country's 2011 uprising.



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