According to a report by The Guardian, several security personnel who were detained during the FIFA World Cup in Qatar are still being held in the country, four months after their arrest. The detainees were reportedly trying to resolve a dispute over unpaid wages when they were apprehended.
Among those imprisoned in Qatar, there is an Indian national and two Pakistani nationals. The latter have been sentenced to six months in prison and fined 10,000 riyals each (equivalent to Rs 2,20,000).
The issue was initially brought to light by the human rights group Equidem, and The Guardian later verified the claims. The report reveals that both Indian and Pakistani nationals were hired by a local private security company called Stark Security Services for the football tournament. However, they were abruptly dismissed just days after the match, despite having months left on their employment contracts.
The human rights organization is demanding the immediate release of the detained individuals, emphasizing that "this is the true cost of FIFA's reckless disregard for the rights of people who help them generate huge profits."
In addition to the three detainees, nine others were also released prematurely from their contracts. Four of them were deported, while the remaining five remain in the country, awaiting resolution.
On January 23, a group of 200 guards, boarded on a bus, had visited the security company's head office to negotiate their unpaid wages. However, the company staff reportedly called the police, claiming that the workers were obstructing the road.
According to the employees, only their leaders got off the bus to negotiate with the company, while the rest remained on board.
The prolonged detention of the security personnel in Qatar, amidst the unpaid wages dispute, raises concerns about the treatment of workers involved in major sporting events. The situation highlights the urgent need for stronger protection of workers' rights and fair treatment in such contexts.
Efforts should be made to address this issue promptly, ensuring the release of the detained individuals and a fair resolution of the unpaid wages dispute. The rights and well-being of workers involved in global events must be prioritized, emphasizing the importance of fair treatment, transparency, and accountability throughout the entire process.
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