10 Filipinos Granted Clemency in Qatar

11 February 2010 - The Philippine Embassy in Qatar reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) today that 10 Filpino detainees were granted Emeri Clemency during the National Day of Qatar last December 18, 2009.

"Eight of the 10 Filipinos are already back home, while one will be repatriated soon after being given a plane ticket by the Philippine Basketball association of Qatar (PIBAQ), a Filipino organization. This gesture is part of the commitment of Filipino communities in collaborating with the Philippine Government in assisting our kababayans here in Qatar," Philippine Ambassador to Qatar Crescente R. Relacion said.

The tenth individual is facing a civil case in a Qatari cour and would not be repatriated immediately. " We are continuously assisting him in ensuring that his rights are being upheld," the Ambassador added.

The Embassy sent a note verbale on December 8, 2009 to Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs requesting their assistance in granting pardon or executive clemency to 19 Filipinos detained in the country, for humanitarian reasons and in the spirit of the Qatari National Day.

On the basis of the Embassy's representations, 10 Filipinos were granted clemency. END