HRW says Qatar should ensure fair trial of EX-Jordanian official for Qatar 2022

HRW says Qatar should ensure fair trial of EX-Jordanian official for Qatar 2022
October 9, 2021, 3:43 am

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Human Rights Watch and FairSquare reported, Qatari authorities should ensure a fair trial for a 35-year-old Jordanian man who is appealing a five-year prison sentence for offenses including misuse of funds and bribery.

Abdullah Ibhais previously was media and communications director for Qatar’s 2022 FIFA World Cup organizers, the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, and the case relates to allegations that he sought a bribe for awarding a contract.

Ibhais told Human Rights Watch and FairSquare that he believes the charges were in retaliation for his criticism of the handling of a migrant workers’ strike in Qatar in August 2019, which Human Rights Watch and Migrant-Rights.org documented at the time.

According to the Human Rights Watch, the lower court trial of Abdullah Ibhais, which concluded in April 2021, ignored credible allegations that his confession, the basis of the prosecution’s case, was obtained via intimidation and coercion.

A third and possibly final session in his appeal hearing was scheduled for October 6.

Michael Page, deputy Middle East director at Human Rights Watch said: “Qatari authorities appear to have robbed Abdullah Ibhais of his right to a fair trial in proceedings that raise serious concerns about Qatar’s justice system,”

“The authorities should immediately investigate allegations that his confession was coerced and whether the Supreme Committee used the justice system to retaliate against an employee for internal criticism.”

Source: hrw

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