Qatari Authorities Force Women To Remove Underwear For Search Before Boarding

  • Australian Government Calls For Investigation

The Australian Government says it has contacted the Qatari authorities over reports of alleged strip-searching of women (including Australians) in an airport in Doha.

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It said an investigation was underway.

The Australian Foreign Minister Marisa Payne, on Monday, registered her displeasure over the incident in a press briefing in Canberra.

“This is a grossly, grossly disturbing, offensive, concerning set of events… We have made our views very clear to the Qatari authorities on this matter,” she said.

State media had reported that “Qatari authorities allegedly forced the women to remove their underwear” in October at Hamad International Airport, Doha.

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But, the airport in a statement, held that on that day, officials were trying to investigate issues surrounding the discovery of an abandoned newborn baby.

“On 2 October 2020, a newborn infant was found abandoned at Hamad International Airport. The newborn infant was immediately provided with medical attention and care.

“Medical professionals expressed concern to officials about the health and welfare of a mother who had just given birth and requested she be located prior to departing HIA. Individuals who had access to the specific area of the airport where the newborn infant was found were asked to assist in the query,” it stated.

Meanwhile, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) called for a thorough and transparent probe of the matter.

“The Australian Government is aware of concerning reports regarding the treatment of female passengers, including Australian citizens, at Doha (Hamad) airport in Qatar.

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“We have formally registered our serious concerns regarding the incident with Qatari authorities and have been assured that detailed and transparent information on the event will be provided soon,” it stated.

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