[Caution, sensitive content: sexual violence, conversion therapy]

According to HRW, the arbitrary detentions and beatings continued throughout last September. The assaults also included at least five cases of sexual assault. LGBT+ people are arrested on the street by the authorities purely based on expression and appearance. The telephones of those persons are searched, after which they are arrested. The arrests are not recorded, so there is little evidence of government action.

For example, a transgender woman tells HRW that she was arrested on the street for "imitating a woman". According to her, it is not just about Qatari people. Once in the detention centre she came into contact with Moroccan, Filipino and Nepalese gay men and women, among others. In the detention centre, the trans woman was sexually assaulted by guards. She also had to see a psychologist who would "make her a man again".

LGBT+ people are not safe online either. For example, HRW spoke to a gay man who was arrested for his online surfing behaviour. 

Punishable

Homosexuality is a crime in Qatar. Those found guilty can face up to seven years in prison. Yet, according to HRW, none of the interviewees were sued. This way, the repression of the Qatari government remains under the radar.

“As Qatar prepares for the Men's World Cup, authorities are detaining and mistreating LGBT+ individuals. Apparently they are convinced that this is under the radar and unchecked,” said Rasha Younes, human rights researcher at HRW. “The authorities must stop the violence against LGBT+ people. The world is watching.”

Qatar denies the allegations. According to a spokesperson, these are "incorrect", reports Reuters news agency. “Qatar has no conversion centres,” the spokesperson said.

Qatar is trying to polish up the image around LGBT+ rights around the World Cup for men. Everyone is welcome to enjoy the football during the tournament, government spokesmen have already said. Qatar is said to be "one of the safest countries in the world".