Qatar has issued a ‘sincere apology’ after details of forced examinations of female passengers recently came to light.
Most of us are familiar with the shocking details by now – after finding a premature baby wrapped in a plastic bag in an airport bathroom bin, Qatari authorities grounded 10 flights which were due to depart Hamad International Airport, and forced female passengers from the aircraft onto the tarmac where they had to undergo invasive gynaecological examinations.
18 women on a Qatar flight to Sydney were made to undergo the examinations: 13 returning Australians, and 5 foreign nationals.
Marise Payne, Australia’s Foreign Minister, has previously said that she is liaising with the relevant diplomatic resources to get an answer, and the Australian Federal Police had become involved in the investigation.
Payne told authorities over the weekend that she had since spoken directly with Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani on Friday, saying that they both ‘provided a strong assurance that Qatar fully recognises the seriousness of these events and will ensure that they are never repeated’.
“We very much welcome the acknowledgement by the government of Qatar in relation to the events that occurred in Hamad airport recently. We welcome the investigative process they have undertaken” said Payne in a recent statement. “The two Foreign Ministers agreed to continue to monitor the case closely and exchange updates, assuring that this is a top priority for both governments.”
She added that ‘Qatar emphasised the country’s commitment to the safety and security of all passengers travelling through Hamad International Airport’.
We regret the unacceptable treatment of the female passengers at HIA. I assure you that we will hold those responsible for these acts to account. What took place does not represent Qatar’s laws or values. We will undertake all measures to prevent a recurrence.
— خالد بن خليفة آل ثاني (@KBKAlThani) October 30, 2020
Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani also expressed on Friday Qatar’s “sincerest apology for what some female travellers went through as a result of the measures”.
The airport has launched an appeal for the infants mother to come forward, saying that the child is still unidentified but being cared for by medical and social workers. Sex outside of marriage is currently illegal in the UAE, and medical professionals are required to report any incidence to authorities, including unwed expectant mothers.
Jenna Rank
Jenna has visited over 50 countries across the world, and hopes to visit 100 by 2025
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