Demand Qatar change their penal code to protect rape victims not jail them

Raped and then arrested like a criminal for it. The treatment of rape victims in Qatar is an insult to human rights, and an abomination to human dignity and international law. We need to stand together to make sure that in the interests of all woman in Qatar are served by a law that stands up for their rights instead of trampling them – change the penal code to protect, not punish rape victims.

A 22-year-old Dutch woman was raped after having her drink spiked in a Doha hotel. The terror she felt when she woke up in a strange room with no memories of the previous night few of us could imagine. When she realized that she had been raped, her first instinct was to get away and to report it. She had no idea that in Qatar, she would be treated like the criminal. She was arrested immediately when she reported her ordeal. Her cries for help fell on deaf ears. Qatar Penal Code's Article-281 states: "Whoever copulates with a female over 16 without compulsion, duress or ruse shall be punished with imprisonment for a term up to seven years. The same penalty shall also be imposed on the female for her consent. Proving that the female did not give consent is made all the more difficult In the absence of witnesses – who are not needed to secure rape convictions in Qatar – the amount of physical evidence will usually decide the case. So if the attacker has no bruises or scratches, it means that the victim did not struggle. This in the eyes of Qatari law means consent. Never mind the fact that instinct often takes over, and survival depends on compliance rather than struggle. Also, it is rather tough to struggle if you have been drugged.

Being raped is devastating, and often post rape help in the form of psychological treatment can make the difference between a lifetime of mental anguish and guilt, and a full recovery. Mentally the issues range from guilt to depression and even worse. Proper immediate care is necessary. The first to hear about it should show care and sympathy. Now imagine the trauma of being told that you are at fault and being thrown into a cell. The damage and psychological trauma is dreadful and long lasting, without the help of the Qatari authorities.

One of the biggest problems in rape cases is that they go unreported. Woman should be encouraged to report rape, not hide it for fear of being punished. Qatar is encouraging rape by making the responsibility fall squarely on the woman’s shoulders. “She should have fought, she should have screamed louder, she should not have smiled and been friendly.” Would be rapists love nothing more than fear. Fear keeps the woman quiet, and Qatari law enforces that. Report a rape and we will punish you. Rapists get away with it.

The world cup is coming to Qatar, soon the eyes of the world will be on them. We need to make sure that the eyes cast in the direction of Qatar take note of this violation of human rights. The world cup is about togetherness, fairness and human dignity. Where are any of these qualities in the Qatari Penal code?

Sign this petition and lets shine the light squarely on Penal code Article-281. Lets highlight the treatment of rape victims and the overall injustice in the law. Women need to be freed from the fear of reporting rape. The law needs to change. In 2022 thousands of Europeans, and others will descend on Qatar. With this archaic law, would you feel safe going with your sister?