October 24, 2022
Cited article by Human Rights Watch
HRRC condemns the ongoing abuses and detainment of members of the LGBTQ+ community by the Qatari Security Department. Qatar must put an end to the arbitrary arrests, abuses, and harassment. Further, the government must amend its laws that label LGBTQ+ individuals as "violating public morality".
Article Summary
Human Rights Watch reports that the Qatari Preventative Security Department has arbitrarily arrested members of the LGBTQ+ community. These reports are ongoing despite the increased scrutiny Qatar is under due to preparations for the FIFA World Cup and previous reports of abuses against LGBTQ+ people. Due specifically to their gender expression, people have been subject to unlawful search, arrest, and physical and sexual abuse.
The cases reported by Human Rights Watch were all held without charge, detained up to two months, and there is no record on having been detained. Those interviewed provided Human Rights Watch with similar accounts, including being beaten and being forced to unlock their phones and show photos which security photos took screenshots of. It is believed that they were arrested for "violating public morality".