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Travel warning
QATAR |
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By Lolita Tan
Doha June 2016
The ordeal of a 22 year old Dutch tourist was widely reported in the media including the BBC. To summarize the young woman was having a drink at the hotel bar when she fell very sick and lost all memory until the following morning when she woke up in a strange apartment with her cloths torn . Realising that she had been raped.
This condition is well known and a result of administering a ‘Date rape drug” Indicating that her drink was spiked apparently by her male companion which she thought was a friend. Reporting the crime to the police unfortunately resulted in her immediate arrest for adultery. After 3 months in jail she was given an suspended 1 year jail sentence and fined over US $ 500.- and to be deported.
The man involved was also arrested and sentenced to 100 lashes for adultery (not the rape) and another 40 lashes for consuming alcohol, which is the standard penalty for Muslims consuming alcohol in Qatar.
Travellers be warned
Similar events could happen to any visiting female. Likewise Qatar is also not a suitable place to visit for gay's or lesbians
Tourist are well advised to stay away.
If a journey to Qatar is essential extreme caution should be exercised. Females if got raped should think twice before reporting it to the police unless 4 male witnesses are on hand to testify the fact.
Have you been to Qatar recently? Please report your experience
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Modern outlook Legal system medieval |