Alkarama submitted their cases to the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (WGAD) on 22 December 2009, urging an intervention with the Qatari authorities so that they release the two detainees or at least that they be put on trial if charges have been brought against them.

Abdullah Khowar, 28, is a salesman and Salem Al-Kuwari, 31, works in civil protection. Both are residents of Doha. They were both arrested at their respective homes on 27 June 2009 by officers of the State Security services (Amn Al-Dowla). At the time of their arrest, they were neither presented with a judicial warrant, nor explained the grounds for arrest.

After their arrests, both men were taken to an unknown destination and their families were left without news of their whereabouts for several weeks. They were afterward able to receive visits at the Intelligence Services detention center.

Some months ago, their families received a guarantee from the official authorities that they would be released, but so far no action has been taken. In addition to this, they have been denied legal aid.

The State of Qatar has not ratified the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The Human Rights Council's upcoming Universal Periodic Review in February 2010 will hold a session on Qatar. Alkarama presented report in this context.