Qatar’s emir lashes out at criticism ahead of FIFA World Cup
PTI, Oct 25, 2022, 4:15 PM IST
Twitter Image
Qatar’s ruling emir on Tuesday lashed out at criticism of his country over its hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, describing it as an “unprecedented campaign” targeting the first Arab nation to hold the tournament.
Since winning hosting rights for the World Cup over a decade ago, Qatar has faced scrutiny and criticism for its treatment of migrant workers and the gay community, among other issues.
The alleged abuses affecting legions of low-paid laborers who power Qatar’s economy and who built its gleaming World Cup stadiums have been a lighting rod for protest around the world, especially in Europe.
Qatar has repeatedly pushed back, insisting the country has improved protections for migrant workers and claiming the criticism is outdated.
In a televised speech before the emirate’s legislative body on Tuesday, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani said Qatar “has been subjected to an unprecedented campaign that no host country has ever faced.” “The campaign tends to continue and expand to include fabrications and double standards that were so ferocious that it has unfortunately prompted many people to question the real reasons and motives,” he said.
Rights groups have credited Qatar with improving its labor laws, such as by adopting a minimum monthly wage of around $275 a month in 2020, and for dismantling the “kafala” system that had prevented workers from changing jobs or leaving the country without the consent of their employers. However, activists call for more to be done.
In recent months pressure has also mounted on Qatar over its criminalization of homosexuality. Qatari law calls for a prison sentence of one to three years for adults convicted of consensual gay or lesbian sex. European soccer federations last month announced their intention for captains to wear an armband with a rainbow heart design as part of an anti-discrimination campaign during international matches.
In his speech, Sheikh Tamim promised the glaring spotlight of the world’s biggest sporting event would also benefit Qatar.
”This is a great test for a country the size of Qatar that impresses the whole world with what it has already achieved and is achieving,” he said.
The tournament starts on Nov. 20 and the final is set for Dec. 18.
Udayavani is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel and stay updated with the latest news.
Top News
Related Articles More
IOA submits ‘Letter of Intent’ to host 2036 Olympics in India
Mohammed Shami’s return to competitive cricket delayed; not to play for Bengal against Karnataka, MP
IPL auction set to be held in Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh at end of November
So proud of you: Ravindra reveals rare message from dad after NZ’s historic series win
Gautam Gambhir’s performance under scanner after disaster in Sri Lanka and India
MUST WATCH
Latest Additions
Treated Muslims like fuel for ‘lantern’: Prashant Kishor targets Lalu, asks upper castes to stay away from Nitish
MP Brijesh Chowta urges Kerala CM for strict action against attack on Edneer Swamiji’s vehicle
Mangaluru: Asiatic male lion arrives at Pilikula Zoo
Waqf Notice Issue: Not an accident, but state government’s conspiracy, claims V. Sunil Kumar
Wayanad Bypoll: Politics in country, Kerala not genuinely working for people, says Priyanka Gandhi
Thanks for visiting Udayavani
You seem to have an Ad Blocker on.
To continue reading, please turn it off or whitelist Udayavani.