Qatar revokes poet’s citizenship

Doha has cracked down on dissent in recent months following a diplomatic crisis with four Arab states

atar has revoked the citizenship of Mohammad Bin Futais Al Merri, a poet who has reportedly opposed the attitudes of his government towards Saudi Arabia.

In recent months Qatar has cracked down on dissent in the country following a diplomatic crisis with four Arab states.

On June 5, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Egypt severed diplomatic relations with Qatar over its support for extremists and funding of terrorism.

Red flag

Since then Qataris who have opposed the attitude and policies of its government have been punished by having their citizenships revoked.

In September, Shaikh Talib Bin Mohammad Bin Lahoum Bin Shraim, along with 54 other members of his family and the tribe of Al Murra, including a number of children and 18 women, had their nationality revoked.

UAE and Saudi rights groups have slammed the move as an example of flagrant human rights violation.

Bin Futais is a well-known and widely respected figure.

He won the most prestigious poetry competition in the Arab world, the Poet of the Million, in 2007. He donated his prize earnings to children with special needs in Qatar and Palestine.

Bin Futais is also a member of the Al Murra tribe.

He was relatively silent during the crisis but when he spoke against the politicisation of the Haj, Qatari authorities were incensed.

“What has prompted me to speak out is my love for my dear homeland and my keenness on its security, safety and stability,” he said.

Concern over the future

“I am also concerned about Qatar’s future. The Qatari people want a quick solution of the crisis. While I have allegiance to my country, I am for Gulf unity,” he said.

“Unfortunately, the situation is deteriorating and people stooped so low as to insult our iconic figures in the Gulf. We are not happy, and nor are other Muslims, with this development.

“If insulting the homeland is a red line, then insulting ... icons like the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and religious scholars should also be a red line.”

The poet’s plight has prompted several social media users to sympathise with him and to express support.