Humiliation and uterine examination of Australian women at Qatar airport | Abroad

Australian media reports that a premature baby was found in a washroom. Women at the airport, including 13 Australians, were subsequently arrested and forced to take off their underwear and undergo an internal examination in an ambulance, news site 7 News reports. The Australian women speak of a “horrible violation of their rights.”

According to 7 News, the baby had died, but sources in Qatar could not confirm that.

The investigation on October 2 had to determine whether they had recently given birth to a child. The women were not asked for permission. They had also been told nothing about the baby’s find. A flight to Sydney was delayed by four hours. It is unclear how many women were involved.

Explanation required

Australian authorities say they are assured that text and explanations will be forthcoming. In Islamic Qatar, severe punishments can be handed out to women who have children out of wedlock.

Qatar Airways did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

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