CONFIDENTIAL
QATAR
Report by HM Embassy, Doha
Right No.
(i)
So far persons have been imprisoned for only short periods without trial. The law stipulates a maximum of 48 hours before appearance in a court. This has been exceeded in several recent instances. As British police influence diminishes in Qatar we suspect the situation will deteriorate.
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(ii)
There is no evidence of torture, but there are indications that the police Special Branch are using "heavy" questioning methods.
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(iii) Slavery does not exist. Nevertheless tradi- tional chauvinistic attitudes persist towards women, servants and all foreigners, especially from the sub-continent.
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(iv)
There is complete control of the media and sensitivity towards any criticism of govern- ment actions or individuals. Conversely the government are careful to ensure there is no public criticism of friendly countries. A local magazine was recently suspended because of unfavourable comment on Egypt.
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(v)
The judiciary is independent of the govern- ment, but justice depends on who you are. Members of leading Qatari families tend in practice to be beyond the clutches of the law unless they have caused the Amir and his immediate relatives particular displeasure.
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(vi)
There are no trade unions but, until recently at least, Qatari labour, especially those working for foreign oil companies, has been pampered. Expatriate labour is less favoured but scarcity has strengthened its position.
(vii) There are no restrictions on emigration.
CONFIDENTIAL
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