Euro-Med: Qatari government commits blatant violations of freedoms

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The Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor criticized Qatar's policies and legislations which restrict the exercise of freedoms of opinion, expression, peaceful assembly and association and trade unions, in violation of the international conventions signed by Doha and the Qatari Constitution that guarantees these basic rights.

The Geneva-based watchdog stated in a brief report that these policies undermine the fundamental rights of individuals to express their views in line with international conventions and treaties.

The organization pointed out that the restrictions on the right to freedom of opinion and expression in Qatar violate the provisions of the Qatari Constitution and restrict the freedom of media in accordance with the provisions of the media law issued in 2012. In addition, the Press and Publications Act 1997, provides for the punishment of imprisonment for anyone who insults the Emir of Qatar, and widely bans media outlets from addressing matters that may cause harm to the "best interests of the country" or to "public morality".

Article 47 of the Qatari Constitution provides for freedom of opinion and research in accordance with the articles of the Qatari law. The Euro-Med expressed its condemnation of the difficult requirements imposed by the Qatari government and restrictions on the establishment of civil society organizations, leading to further tightening the work of independent human rights organizations.

The Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor called on Qatari authorities to amend their domestic laws to allow individuals and workers to exercise their right to express their views peacefully, at a time authorities continue to tighten procedures of granting permits for foreign individuals and workers to hold peaceful demonstrations guaranteed by international law and civil and political rights.

The Geneva-based organization also urged the Qatari authorities to live up to international standards relating to the right to association and assembly of Qatari and non-Qatari nationals alike. The organization stressed that the authorities must not intervene in the work of such associations and nor shall it exercise any pressure or influence that undermines their work.

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