Two Britons who went missing in Doha while researching migrant labour issues are being questioned by Qatari police over alleged “illegal activity”.
The Norway-based Global Network for Rights and Development (GNRD) reported that its researcher Krishna Upadhyaya, 52, and photographer Ghimire Gundev, 36, went missing on August 31 as they were preparing to leave Qatar.
Qatar’s foreign ministry confirmed on Saturday that the men had been arrested and “are being interrogated for having violated the provisions of the laws of the state of Qatar”.
The ministry said that all actions taken against the men are “consistent with the principles of human rights” outlined in the laws of Qatar, and that British embassy officials have visited them.
An official at the British embassy in Doha confirmed on Sunday that the mission is providing consular assistance.
The London-based rights group Amnesty International last week urged Qatari authorities to reveal the men’s whereabouts and ensure their safety.
The GNRD is based in Stavanger, Norway and describes itself on its website as a neutral organisation set up in 2008 to promote human rights and development. Many of its recent statements have focused on the conflict in Gaza and other issues related to the Middle East.
It has singled out Qatar in the past over conditions faced by migrant workers.
Since Qatar won the right to host the 2022 World Cup it has come under intense scrutiny, with labour rights activists raising concerns about dangerous working conditions, allegations of unpaid salaries and other abuses.
* Associated Press
