Qatari poet faces trial for ‘insulting’ Emir

[A.Rafay]

DUBAI: Human rights groups on Tuesday criticised Qatar for detaining a poet for “insulting” the Emir, with Amnesty International saying he faces a secret trial possibly as a prisoner of conscience. Mohammed al-Ajami — also known as Mohammed Ibn al-Dheeb — was arrested on November 16, 2011 in Doha and later reportedly charged with “inciting to overthrow the ruling system” and “insulting the emir,” said Amnesty.

Separately, the New York-based Human Rights Watch said Ajami’s incarceration “provides further evidence of Qatar’s double standard on freedom of expression.”

Amnesty said Ajami was being held in solitary confinement “apparently solely for peacefully exercising his right to freedom of expression.” “If that is the case, he would be considered a prisoner of conscience and should be released immediately and conditionally,” said Amnesty’s Philip Luther.

Ajami’s trial in Doha’s Criminal Court “has been marred by irregularities, with court sessions held in secret,” said Amnesty. “His lawyer reportedly had to provide a written defence... after being barred from attending one of the court sessions,” added the London-based watchdog. Both Amnesty and HRW demanded that Ajami be released from jail without any conditions.

Qatari poet faces trial for