Rights teams are urging Qatar to drop a case in opposition to a Mexican World Cup worker who could possibly be sentenced to jail and a flogging after she reported an assault and was then charged with single intercourse.
In a case that has raised fears for ladies attending the event later this yr, Paola Schietekat, 28, was left with bruises on her arm, shoulder and again after a male acquaintance pressured his manner into her Doha condo and attacked her in June.
Schietekat, who has fled the nation and could possibly be sentenced in absentia, was charged with intercourse exterior wedlock — a criminal offense in Qatar — after her assailant instructed police the pair have been in a relationship.
Breaking the “zina” legal guidelines, which criminalise single intercourse, carries a possible sentence of as much as seven years’ jail and lashes. Officers say nevertheless the tough punishment is never carried out.
Schietekat, who was working as a behavioural economist, went to the Mexican embassy in Doha with images of her accidents and reported the assault to the police.
The girl, who stated she was sexually abused as a teen, stated the investigation then turned on her, with police demanding a virginity take a look at.
“For some cause I had develop into the accused,” she wrote in a weblog in regards to the incident.
Human Rights Watch is demanding Qatar scrap the case in opposition to Schietekat forward of a March 6 listening to, whereas world soccer physique FIFA is monitoring the case.
“Qatari authorities ought to instantly drop these prices which aren’t recognised below worldwide regulation… (and) examine the bodily assault she reported,” stated Rothna Begum, senior ladies’s rights knowledgeable for HRW.
– Pressured gynaecological examinations –
Qatar has been below shut scrutiny because it prepares to host the primary World Cup within the Center East in November and December.
In October 2020, ladies passengers at Doha airport have been pressured to endure invasive gynaecological examinations after a new child child was discovered deserted. Authorities later apologised.
Schietekat stated World Cup organisers helped her go away Qatar and that she remains to be employed by the organising committee.
Begum urged Qatar to repeal laws that criminalises consensual intercourse between single adults and set up higher medical and authorized assist for sexual assault survivors, forward of the World Cup.
“At main sporting occasions just like the World Cup, the chance of sexual violence will increase tremendously due to the sheer variety of individuals attending,” she instructed AFP.
Qatari authorized officers acknowledge the case could possibly be dropped, whereas authorities haven’t commented publicly.
– ‘Actual danger’ –
Qatar is anticipating 1.2 million guests for the November 21-December 18 event, together with a document variety of feminine followers.
Begum stated Qatar’s regulation on sexual relations was a “actual danger” for ladies who might face prosecution like Schietekat.
“Police (in Qatar) typically don’t consider ladies who report violence within the first occasion, notably international ladies who are sometimes seen as extra sexually lively,” she stated.
“Now you’re going to get much more ladies coming to the nation as followers and employees, and they’ll be much more susceptible if the authorities don’t consider them.”
FIFA stated it was “conscious of the scenario involving Ms Schietekat and it’s of utmost significance to FIFA that, as a survivor of abuse, she receives all applicable care and help”. It added that it was involved with Qatari organisers and officers.
Ronan Evain, govt director of Soccer Supporters Europe, a community of European fan teams, stated ladies face “an elevated danger of sexual assault” in any respect tournaments.
“It’s a danger in any nation however when it’s in a rustic not able to defending the rights of victims then it is vitally worrying.”
