According to his family, whistleblower Abdullah Ibhais, who has been in prison for almost a year, was tortured shortly before the start of the 2022 World Cup. The human rights organization “Fair Square” published a letter from his relatives in which serious allegations were made.
It states that Ibhai’s four days “in total darkness in solitary confinement” spent after he “physically attacked” had been.
Ibhais tells of his ordeal
Abdullah Ibhais himself also has his say in the letter and describes his torment. “The air conditioner ran at full blast and was used as an instrument of torture“It says from his side. He was in a two by one meter cell with a hole in the floor as a toilet and at temperatures close to freezing point”. “I’ve been attacked by the prison guards and already have a lot of bruises – and yet the freezing cold air was directed at me for four days. I barely slept.”
allegations against FIFA
Ibhais’ family also made accusations against FIFA and its President Gianni Infantino in the letter. The world association act “callous and indifferent“so that it”tearing our family apart“. The letter calls on FIFA to take responsibility and ensure that human rights are respected.
The letter also included an appeal: “We call on the Qatari authorities to release Abdullah immediately. We ask all human rights organizations, journalists, activists, players and viewers of the 2022 World Cup to demand Abdullah’s release.”
Finally, FIFA and the Organizing Committee of the 2022 World Cup were asked to comment. Both confirmed to the British “Guardian” that they were aware of the letter and its contents.
In solitary confinement since early November
The imprisonment of Abdullah Ibhais was already a big issue in the run-up to the World Cup. Shortly before the start of the tournament, his brother Ziad Ibhais said in an exclusive interview with Sportschau that Abdullah Ibhai’s prison conditions had deteriorated significantly. He also stated that his brother had been in solitary confinement since November 2nd.
Ibhais, who is from Jordan, was communications director for the organizing committee of the World Cup in Qatar. He has now been in prison for a year. On December 15, 2021, the Court of Appeal in the capital Doha confirmed the sentence.
Among other things, he had campaigned for striking migrant workers. He was officially charged with accepting bribes. He denies that.
In October 2021, the sports show reported exclusively on his case together with the Norwegian football magazine “Josimar”.