Australia demands answers after passengers strip-searched at Doha airport
The Australian government has registered “serious concerns” with Qatar after women on board a flight from Doha to Sydney were subjected to an invasive internal examination.
Women on board a flight that was bound for Sydney were forced to undergo an examination in an ambulance parked on the tarmac at the airport in Doha. Photo: AFP
Seven News reported that a premature baby was found in a terminal bathroom at the Hamad International Airport in Doha earlier this month.
A statement from Hamad Airport confirmed the baby is safe and was receiving medical care.
“At this time, the newborn infant remains unidentified, but is safe under the professional care of medical and social workers,” the statement read.
“Medical professionals expressed concern to officials about the health and welfare of a mother who had just given birth and requested she be located prior to departing [the airport].”
The baby was found in the toilet facilities of the Hamad International Airport in Doha. (file pic) Photo: AFP
Qatar Airways have not yet responded to a request for comment.
The mother of the baby has not been located.
Women on board a flight that was bound for Sydney, including 13 Australians, were detained and forced to undergo an examination in an ambulance parked on the tarmac.
The women were required to take off their underwear for the invasive medical examination but were not told why.
Marise Payne Photo: AFP
Minister for Foreign Affairs Marise Payne confirmed today that the women had contacted the Australian government at the time of the incident and that the government has formally raised concerns with Qatar.
“The Australian government is deeply concerned at the unacceptable treatment of some female passengers on a recent Qatar Airways flight at Doha Airport,” she said.
“The advice that has been provided indicates that the treatment of the women concerned was offensive, grossly inappropriate, and beyond circumstances in which the women could give free and informed consent.
“It is not something I have ever heard of occurring in my life, in any context.
“The government has formally registered our serious concerns about this incident with Qatari authorities.”
She said the “extraordinary incident” had also been reported to the Australian Federal Police.
New South Wales police said the women were required to complete mandatory quarantine, but did receive support.
“Those women completed mandatory quarantine in NSW, during which time they were provided with medical and psychological support by NSW Health,” it said in a statement.
“NSW Police referred it to the relevant Commonwealth authority.”
The Australian Federal Police said it was engaging with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, adding it would be “inappropriate to comment any further.”
– ABC / BBC
