In a story that seems to keep unravelling, new CCTV footage has been shared of the moments after the now famous baby, found abandoned in an airport bathroom at Hamad International, was discovered by staff.
The video shows the child being held by an airport staff member and carried through the airport as other staff members join and check in the child.
The baby, which was found in early October, has caused all manner of troubles, as upon discovery of the child, Qatari authorities insisted all flights at the airport be grounded as they began the search for the mother, saying 'their concern was for her welfare'.
However, there are new reports saying that authorities are treating the situation as attempted murder, after it was revealed the child was wrapped in a plastic bag and buried under rubbish.
Extra-marital sex is a criminal offence in the UAE, and doctors are required to report any instances of unwed mothers to authorities.
After sitting on the tarmac for several hours, authorities boarded the planes and removed all female passengers, forcing them to undergo invasive genitalia ‘checks’ in ambulances parked on the tarmac.
The situation has caused a furore across the globe, and it has now been revealed that up to 10 flights were grounded during the search, and at least 18 women on the flight to Sydney were made to de-plane and undergo the examinations.
Of these, 13 were Australian residents, and 5 were foreign nationals.
Scott Morrison has finally addressed the complaints, as pressure has mounted for the foreign minister to take the situation seriously.
In a statement yesterday, the PM ‘misspoke’, saying that the baby had died. After quickly correcting his mistake, he went on to condemn the actions of Qatari authorities.
“We find this unacceptable. That has been the official message and conveyed very clearly in the investigation, because it is unacceptable,’’ Mr Morrison said. “I mean, it was appalling. As a father of a daughter, I could only shudder at the thought that anyone would, Australian or otherwise, it would be subjected to that.”
In further news, it now seems that the Transport Workers’ Union is considering boycotting the airline in light of the situation, and are considering banning all servicing, cleaning or refuelling of Qatar Airways planes that fly into Sydney Airport.
Local transport workers may refuse to service Qatar Airways planes in Sydney.
Over the last few days, several more witnesses and victims have come forward, with one woman coming forward and confirming that the female passengers were never told what was happening, and she was ‘locked in’ an ambulance with a nurse, and forced to remove her clothing and undergo an invasive examination.
The official statement from the airport yesterday said that the child was well, and being cared for by social workers and medical practitioners.
Truly a horrific situation for all involved, and definitely not great press for Qatar Airways.