LGBT Qataris arrested and abused just weeks before start of World Cup, rights group claims
2022 men's football World Cup.HRW said it had interviewed six LGBT Qataris, including four transgender women, one bisexual woman and one gay man, who reported being detained between 2019 and 2022.They said they had been detained without charge in an underground prison in Doha and subjected to verbal and physical abuse, including kicking and punching.One individual said they were held for two months in solitary confinement."All six said that police forced them to sign pledges indicating that they would 'cease immoral activity'," HRW said.The group added that transgender women detainees were forced to attend conversion therapy sessions at a government-sponsored clinic.One of the transgender Qatari women interviewed by HRW told Reuters news agency she was arrested several times, most recently this summer when she was held for several weeks.Authorities had stopped her due to her appearance or for possessing make-up, the woman said, adding that she had been beaten to the point of bleeding and had her head shaved.Read more:Lineker says he knows two gay Premier League stars and hopes they will come out at Qatar World CupEngland and Wales reflect football's delicate approach at the World Cup over rights violationsPlease use Chrome browser for a more accessible video playerA Qatari official said in a statement that HRW's allegations "contain information that is categorically and unequivocally false".He added: "Qatar does not tolerate discrimination against anyone, and our policies and procedures are underpinned by a commitment to human rights for all."The Qatari government does not operate or license any 'conversion centres'."The rehabilitation clinic mentioned in the report supports individuals suffering from behavioural.
