Detention of rights group researchers confirmed by Qatar

Authorities in Qatar have confirmed they are detaining and interrogating two international rights group workers. The men had been investigating conditions for workers building facilities for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Deutsche Welle, 7 Sep 2014

The Gulf nation's foreign ministry said in a statement that Krishna Upadhyaya and Ghimire Gundev (pictured), who were working for the Norway-based Global Network for Rights and Development (GNRD), were being "interrogated for having violated provisions of the law" in Qatar. The statement, released by the official Qatar News Agency late on Saturday, did not elaborate on what those provisions were.

"All of the actions that have been taken against the two Britons are consistent with principles of human rights enshrined in the constitution," the statement said.

The two men were detained on August 31 in Doha. They had been carrying out follow-up research for the GNRD about the working conditions of migrant laborers, after authorities in Qatar promised reforms to improve safety, pay and conditions in response to an international outcry over the expatriates' treatment.

The emirate is in the midst of a construction boom as it prepares to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Rights group welcomes news

The Qatar news agency reported a representative of the British embassy in Doha had visited the two men, something confirmed by the GNRD which on its website said a British representative had passed on a message from Upadhyaya to his family.

"I am well, I have been well looked after and I will be home soon. We have been arrested due to problems with our paperwork," the message read.

Rights group Amnesty International had raised concerns about the pair's disappearance. Their whereabouts had been unknown for several days, prompting Amnesty International to express fears for their safety.

GNRD reported that researcher Upadhyaya and photographer Gundev and had complained of being followed and "harassed" by police prior to their disappearance. The group has called for the men's release.

'No regrets' for Qatar vote: UEFA President

Meanwhile, the president of European football's world organizing body, UEFA's Michel Platini, stood by his controversial choice to vote for Qatar to host the 2022 tournament, in comments published Sunday in German newspaper "Bild am Sonntag." He also defended his vote for Russia to host the 2018 tournament, despite suggestions to strip Russia of the tournament as a penalty for its role in the Ukraine conflict.

"I don't regret voting for Qatar and Russia. I wanted the Football World Cup to be played in countries which had not yet hosted it before. It was no mistake to vote for Qatar."

se/hc (AP, AFP, dpa, sid)