Amnesty International Highlights Qatar's Crackdown on LGBTQ+ Residents Ahead of 2026 Anniversary

According to a new report by Amnesty International, the Qatari government has intensified its surveillance and arbitrary detention of LGBTQ+ individuals living in the country. As reported by the organization, recent months have seen a surge in 'preventative arrests' where individuals are detained without charge based on their social media activity or perceived gender expression. The report claims that those detained have been subjected to physical abuse, forced 'conversion therapy,' and psychological intimidation while in custody. Amnesty International reported that the Qatari Preventive Security Department has been utilizing advanced digital surveillance tools to monitor dating apps and private messaging groups. According to the report, the victims include both Qatari nationals and expatriate workers, many of whom have been summarily deported after being targeted. The publication alleges that Qatar's claims of being a 'welcoming host' during international sporting events were a facade, as the legal and social environment for LGBTQ+ people remains one of extreme hostility. As reported by Amnesty, the Qatari penal code still criminalizes same-sex relations with up to seven years in prison, and the government has reportedly reneged on private assurances made to international diplomats regarding the non-enforcement of these laws. The report calls on the international community to hold Doha accountable for these 'blatant violations of fundamental human rights' and to demand the immediate release of all individuals held without charge.