22 March 2010

Qatar: Fawaz Al-Attiyah arrested for five months without legal action

Alkarama received reports that Fawaz Al-Attiyah, a British national and former spokesperson of the Qatar Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was handed over to the Qataris by Saudi authorities and is currently detained incommunicado in solitary confinement. He has been denied all visitation rights and has not been outside for more than five months.

The reasons for his arrest remain unknown; however it is almost certain that he angered the Qatari authorities. It is rumored that in his book he interprets historical events of the Al-Attiyah tribe which are contrary to the official State-imposed version. Whatever the reason for his arrest, he should be tried.

Alkarama has called upon the Qatari authorities to release Fawaz Al-Attiyah. He has been detained for more than five months without legal process and denied any action into his case. Fawaz Al-Attiyah has been denied his right to freedom of expression himself, which is guaranteed by the State of Qatar and its commitments to International law.

Alkarama intends to pursue Mr. Fawaz Al-Attiyah's case with United Nations special procedures and urges the Qatari authorities to take urgent action.

Qatar - HR Instruments

International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)

No

Convention against Torture (CAT)

CAT: Accessed on 11.01.2000
Optional Protocol: No
Art. 20 (Confidential inquiry): Yes
Art. 22 (Individual communications): No

State report: Due on 23.11.2016 (3rd)
Last concluding observations: 25.01.2013

International Convention for the Protection of all Persons from Enforced Disappearance (CED)

No

Universal Periodic Review (UPR)

Last review: 05.2014 (2nd cycle)
Next review: -

National Human Rights Institution (NHRI)

National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) – Status A

Last review: 10.2010
Next review: 11.2015