Visitors take pictures of the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup countdown clock as it marks thirty days for the start of the international football competition, in the Qatari capital Doha on October 20, 2022. AFPPIX: Lawyers for a group of women subjected to intrusive searches at Doha Airport two years ago called Sunday for Qatar to guarantee female fans travelling to next month's football World Cup will be safe.
“With the World Cup less than a month away female travellers are entitled to an assurance from Qatar that their human rights will be respected.” The incident caused a major diplomatic incident and prompted a “sincerest apology” from the prime minister of Qatar. Four of the women were then taken into ambulances, their clothing was removed and they were subjected to intrusive examinations of their genitals -- and in one case the breasts and stomach.The women are all said to be suffering from post-traumatic stress.
Facing potentially devastating commercial and reputational damage, Qatar has repeatedly vowed to guarantee the future “safety and security” of passengers.