Lawsuits against Qatar Airways: Were women forced to undergo vaginal examinations?
Doha (Qatar) - Serious accusations against the state of Qatar and its airline Qatar Airways! Shortly before the start of the World Cup , the emirate has once again come under fire. Five Australian women are said to have brought charges against Qatar and its airline.
As the British Guardian reported, the women are suing for damages for "unlawful physical contact" and the resulting psychological consequences such as depression.
According to the report, women were allegedly detained on ten planes at Doha airport on October 2, 2020 and forced off the plane at gunpoint without giving a reason. This included the five Australian women who were on their way to Sydney.
When the women were taken to an ambulance on the tarmac, something frightening happened. The women were asked to take off their underwear and undergo a compulsory gynecological examination. The background to the measures was the discovery of a newborn baby in a plastic bag in the airport waiting hall.
The examinations ordered were intended to locate the mother. Abandoned babies are not uncommon in the desert state.
Abortion is strictly forbidden and the birth of an illegitimate child is usually punishable by twelve months in prison. The baby discovered survived. The parents were traced shortly afterwards. They are said to come from South Asia.
Airline remains silent on the allegations, Australia's former prime minister expresses horror
The women emphasize that they were not informed about the examination, nor were they told the reason why the examination was carried out or could have refused it.
The statement of claim states that three of the five women were subjected to "unlawful physical contact".
The airline received the documents at its office in Melbourne, but has so far remained silent on the allegations.
Qatar officials subsequently attempted to deny the case, stating that such actions were "completely incompatible with Qatar's culture and values". However, the officials later apologized. The airport official who had initiated the investigation was arrested and given a suspended sentence.
Former Prime Minister Scott Morrison (54) lodged an official complaint and denounced the "appalling" investigations. Foreign Minister Marise Payne (58) described the action as "deeply disturbing and offensive".