DOHA, QATAR — Manuel Guerrero Aviña, a dual British-Mexican citizen, finds himself in a dire situation after being ensnared in a police-led Grindr sting operation in Qatar. The former British Airways manager was apprehended on February 4, 2024, after unknowingly engaging with a fake profile on the dating app. In Qatar, where homosexuality is deemed illegal, gay sex is punishable by up to seven years in prison, and in extreme cases, even death under Sharia law, although such penalties are seldom enforced.
Concerns escalate as reports emerge alleging that Manuel is being subjected to torture while incarcerated, specifically through the denial of life-saving antiretroviral medication for HIV. His brother, Enrique, has spoken out, claiming that Manuel is enduring harrowing conditions behind bars. According to Enrique, Manuel has faced threats, isolation, food and water deprivation, and psychological torment at the hands of prison authorities. In response to the escalating situation, a Foreign Office spokesperson has confirmed that they are providing consular assistance to Manuel, offering support to his distressed family during this tumultuous period.
Enrique, at the forefront of the QatarFreeManuel campaign, alleges that Manuel’s arrest was orchestrated by Qatari police officers who lured him into a false meeting under the pretense of a Grindr encounter. Furthermore, Enrique asserts that drugs were planted on Manuel during his apprehension, compounding the injustices he faces.
The plight of Manuel has drawn international attention, with advocates decrying the violation of his human rights and demanding justice. Enrique paints a grim picture of Manuel’s treatment, detailing coercive interrogations, denial of legal representation, and the withholding of vital medication crucial for his HIV treatment.
Authorities tried to force him to identify in his telephone contacts other members of the LGBT community as well as forcing him to witness the suffering of other detainees while they were whipped.
He has been threatened, isolated, deprived of food and sufficient water because of his sexual orientation and health condition."
He has been denied the right to a lawyer and has been forced to sign documents in Arabic without a translator to assist him.
Even worse, he has been prevented access to antiretroviral medicines he needs to be able to live with HIV, which constitutes an act of torture and puts his life at risk.”
The Mexican embassy in Qatar has assured Manuel’s family that he has legal representation and has been in constant communication with his relatives. Additionally, the British Embassy in Doha has been actively involved in monitoring Manuel’s case and liaising with Qatari authorities on his behalf.
As the campaign for Manuel’s freedom gains momentum, advocates continue to rally support, calling for his release and an end to the injustices he faces in Qatari custody. The international community remains vigilant, standing in solidarity with Manuel and condemning the violations of his rights.
According to statements released through various media channels, the Mexican embassy emphasized the importance of United Kingdom representatives engaging with Qatari officials regarding Guerrero’s case. Despite being registered as a British resident in Qatar, the embassy pledged to utilize all available resources to uphold Manuel’s rights, preserve his dignity, and ensure his access to essential healthcare.
On the other hand, a spokesperson from the UK Foreign Office simply confirmed their provision of consular assistance to the detained British man in Qatar and reiterated their support for his family during this challenging time.
With a court hearing scheduled for March 13, Guerrero faces a pivotal moment where public prosecutors will determine whether to deport him or proceed with a trial. Enrique expressed grave concerns, highlighting that a trial process, if initiated, could span several months, potentially endangering Manuel’s life due to the lack of adequate medical treatment.
