With the 2022 FIFA World Cup set to be held in Qatar, it appears to be like like the security of feminine soccer followers is at excessive threat if they’re raped in the course of the showpiece occasion. The Arab nation’s strict Islamic code outlaws all sexual contact between single {couples} and even rape victims are taken to courtroom, the place they’re handed sentences from seven years in jail to flogging.
Based on The Solar, Could Romanos (an professional from Amnesty Worldwide) stated, “You go to the police, and as an alternative of being the sufferer, you develop into the accused”.
In the meantime, The Detained’s Radha Stirling added, “The UAE has a protracted historical past of penalising rape victims.”
LGBTQ+ teams are additionally in danger in Qatar with Lou Englefield of Soccer v Homophobia revealing, “I do know of no European LGBTIQ supporters’ group, or particular person supporters, who’re presently planning to attend this World Cup. The place of the Supreme Committee is simply not consistent with the undertakings they will need to have given to Fifa. How can a world sporting occasion which expects tens of millions of holiday makers not be open to reassuring a big minority group who’ve well-founded fears that they are going to be protected and welcome? We’ve by no means seen something like this.”
Additionally in a letter to the Human Rights Sports activities Coalition, FIFA’s Joyce Prepare dinner, former chief social duty and schooling officer wrote, “Based mostly on our engagement with the related Qatari authorities, and following current authorities ensures, and the event-specific laws, in addition to our expertise of internet hosting different occasions in Qatar, Fifa is assured that individuals figuring out as LGBTIQ+ won’t face any repercussions based mostly on the above talked about authorized provisions.”
Up to now, soccer stadiums have develop into scenes of sexual assault throughout event. Throughout Euro 2020, there have been 72 intercourse assaults reported in Brent, North London when the semis and finals have been performed at Wembley.