The National Human Rights Committee of the State of Qatar welcomes the decision of the office of communications of the United Kingdom “Ofcom” to condemn Abu Dhabi TV channel for broadcasting a television interview that was recorded in the form of alleged confessions by Dr. Mahmoud Al-Jaida (Qatari citizen), during his arbitrary detention in Abu Dhabi prisons in 2013.
The decision stated that on June 28, 2017, Abu Dhabi TV channel, affiliated with the Abu Dhabi Media Company P.J.S.C “ADMC” and licensed by “Ofcom”, aired a recorded interview under the title “Mahmoud Al-Jaidah and the clandestine organization in UAE”. The decision considered that broadcasting the interview against the will of Dr. Al-Jaidah, who was tortured and ill-treated in prison, constitutes a grave breach of the principles of fairness and privacy set out in the Ofcom Broadcasting Code. The decision also provided for imposing legal sanctions on the channel for its serious violation of articles (7.1 and 8.1) of the Ofcom Broadcasting Code.
The National Human Rights Committee considers this decision as an initial step in achieving justice and redress for the Qatari citizen, who has been subjected to arbitrary arrest, torture and degrading treatment by the authorities in the United Arab Emirates and Abu Dhabi TV which accused him and the state of Qatar of terrorism.
The decision to condemn and impose sanctions on Abu Dhabi government channel is considered a historical precedent that paves the way for deterring such channels from using the media to spread hatred, spread lies and promote gross human rights violations. This decision also prevents the exploitation of licenses granted by countries that respect the rule of law, to falsify facts and promote suspicious agendas.
The National Human Rights Committee notes that since his arrest, the NHRC followed up the case of Dr. Al-Jaidah and provided him with legal and psychological support in preparing the necessary files to prosecute those involved in the case, knowing that there is another case pending for resolution of the office of communications of the United kingdom “Ofcom”. In this context, The National Human Rights Committee emphasized that it will spare no effort to address injustice inflicted on citizens and residents as a result of the unjust blockade.
32 Rabi` Al-Awwal, 1442
9 November 2020
Doha, Qatar
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