British man ‘tortured by Qatari authorities after arrest in Grindr set-up faces deportation without justice’

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Amnesty International, FairSquare and the National Aids Trust are among those demanding Manuel’s subsequent conviction be quashed, calling his trial before the Al Sadd Criminal Court in Doha “grossly unfair” and believing the Qatari authorities are using the case to stigmatise and criminalise LGBT+ people in a country known for its harsh laws against that community. open image in gallery Manuel with his brother Enrique who is a human rights lawyer based in Mexico City Speaking to The Independent this week, Manuel’s brother Enrique, 39, said: “It’s very unfair because my brother is detained because he’s gay, he was tortured because of his sexual orientation and HIV-positive status. open image in gallery Manuel has lived in Doha and worked as a project manager for Qatar Airways for seven years “Qatar’s authorities must urgently end the discrimination and persecution of people based on their sexual orientation and gender identities, and repeal all laws that discriminate against LGBTI people.” The human rights organisation said Qatar criminalises a range of same-sex consensual sexual acts and people found guilty can be jailed for up to seven years. “They must also press the Qatari authorities to stop the persecution of people based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.” Ms Gold added: “We urge the British government to do all it can to ensure Manuel’s health, rights and wellbeing.” A spokesperson for the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said: “We are supporting a British man in Qatar and are in contact with his family.” The FCDO said it takes all allegations of mistreatment seriously and will always offer to raise these with local authorities but cannot interfere in the judicial affairs of other countries.