Scottish engineer in Iraq jail facing extradition to Qatar released | UK News

A Scottish engineer held in an Iraqi prison facing extradition to Qatar over bank debt has been released, according to a human rights charity that has been campaigning for his freedom.

Brian Glendinning, 43 He was arrested on an Interpol red notice while under contract to work at a BP refinery in Iraq. At Baghdad Airport on September 12th.

Glen Dinning, from Kincardine, Fife, was arrested when he was informed that Qatar had issued an Interpol notice regarding alleged debts owed to the Qatar National Bank.

Radha Sterling, founder of Interpol and the Extradition Reform (Ipex) initiative, said Glendinning’s family is currently arranging a flight and hopes he will be able to return home Monday night.

“Mr. Glendinning’s attorney, Mr. Tarseen Alchabawi, gave us good news this morning. No,” she said.

However, Sterling said Qatar had not confirmed whether the Interpol red notice had been removed, so the 43-year-old could be arrested on his way back to Scotland.

Sterling has previously said Qatar has a history of abusing the International Criminal Police Organization system, and the use of the red notice in Glendinning’s case is a reminder to football fans visiting Qatar for the World Cup this month. He said it should be taken as a warning.

Glendinning’s brother John said he had been living in “demeaning” conditions in an Iraqi prison, saying that he had “only one communal shaver in prison and he wasn’t going to use it.” His beard has grown.

He added: I’ve seen pictures of him drinking beer and I’m so glad he’s free.

“It’s been really emotional for the family. Even our father is in tears and will never cry. Kimberly (Brian Glendinning’s partner), the kids, they can breathe again.” It’s only a few hours until they’re together.”

A class action lawsuit will be launched against Interpol for what Ipex called a “consistent and repetitive” abuse of power, Sterling said.

She added:

“Consumer debt does not meet the criteria for extradition, but it is very likely that Iraq yielded to pressure from Qatar and extradited him anyway.

“Brian is at liberty through a combination of lobbying and media efforts, debt negotiation and settlement with QNB, and strong diplomatic representation.”

A spokesman for the Foreign Affairs and Federal Development Agency confirmed that it is providing consular assistance to Glendinning.

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2022/nov/13/scottish-engineer-held-in-iraqi-prison-facing-extradition-to-qatar-released Scottish engineer in Iraq jail facing extradition to Qatar released | UK News

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