Activists deported
Qatar deports activists after climate talks protest
(Reuters) - Two activists were deported from Qatar on Thursday after calling for more leadership on tackling climate change from the Gulf state, which is hosting U.N. talks in Doha, their campaign group said.
Libyan Raied Gheblawi, 22, and Algerian Mohamed Anis Amirouche, 19, held up a banner in the conference hall's central meeting point reading "Qatar, why host not lead?"
"Both were stripped of their badges and asked to leave the hall by security guards. They were told to return to their hotels and be at the airport no later than 12 am," said a spokesman for IndyAct, a regional advocacy group on climate change policy of which both deportees are members.
"They were trying to draw attention for the need for Qatar to take a real leadership role in these last 48 hours of the negotiations. They did nothing but hold up a banner."
Full article: http://uk.reuters.com/article/2012/12/07/us-climate-talks-deportation-id...
*This is a rather worrying blow to free discussion and speech as the worlds leaders discuss how to save our planet. I hope discussion was not similarly stifled inside the forum.
Still wondering what exactly they were deported for. Does that mean they cannot get back to this place for another two years
Not to worry fb and twitter working for spicy interviews with BBC and CNN
to address the issue was according to what they deem right and appropriate.
The activists were sent home before international media (CNN, BBC, etc) could get hold of them for interviews, etc.
Good initiatives with wrong approach :(
young minds and need proper guidance.
They should have communicate and discussed with appropriate authorities rather holding a banner
Thought their protest was for a good cause but ctually they have to take prior permission from the organizer. This is the UN guidelines for all the activists to protect the host country and their people from any unnecessary disruption.
Just imagine , 10,000 visitor if they just come in roads and protest with their own will...its gonna be a mess.
I respect the UN guidelines and IMPOV activists should be adhere to the rules.
A British delegate was also removed for "going against the protocols" of the session.
Right at the onset..It appears Qatar is taking no chances. Any slightest sign of rebellion and/or demonstrations against the affairs of the state are being treated most severely and the people involved are being penalized harshly. A few weeks back it was the poet, now the activists. Guess the message is clear!
Why qatar anyway?
Despite some good opportunities for good PR, Qatar is mishandling a number of issues.
Holding up banners is a serious crime and can undermine the regime in Qatar.
I didn't see any wrong with the banner nor it was offensive.
Qatar is under the lime light and I am afraid for wrong reasons in the Int'l Media.