Out of 20 arrested Filipino OFWs in Qatar for participating in an unauthorized political gathering, 19 remain in police custody while 1 has been released.
The rally was in support of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, who is currently facing legal issues at the International Criminal Court in The Hague.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed the arrests.
The detained individuals are being held at a police station about an hour away from Doha, Qatar’s capital.
The Philippine Embassy in Qatar had previously warned Filipinos that participating in any kind of political rally is against the law in Qatar.
Embassy officials are working closely with Qatari authorities to provide legal help to the detained Filipinos.
According to DFA Undersecretary Eduardo Jose De Vega, Qatar’s legal system often keeps details of ongoing cases private.
However, people who are not considered a threat are usually held for a few days before being released.
The DFA is reminding Filipinos in Qatar to follow local laws and embassy advisories, especially when it comes to joining political demonstrations.
This incident shows how important it is for people to understand and respect the laws of the countries they visit or live in to avoid getting into legal trouble.
Reports indicate that a total of 20 Filipinos were initially arrested. However, 19 of them remain in the custody of Qatari police, while one individual has been released.
The Philippine Embassy in Qatar is actively coordinating with local authorities to provide legal assistance and consular support to the detained individuals. While Qatari law restricts embassies from intervening in legal cases, embassy officials are ensuring that the detainees receive due process. The DFA has also assured the families of the arrested Filipinos that they are doing everything possible to secure their safety and explore options for their release.
No. Qatar has strict laws against public demonstrations, including political protests. Foreigners, including Filipinos, are not allowed to participate in such activities.
Keep Reading: Faster and More Organized: Japan Launches Visa Centers in the Philippines
Leave a Reply