Arrested or in prison in Qatar
This guide provides information about being arrested in Qatar and what conditions are like in prison there.
Contacting the British embassy
The British embassy in Qatar can offer help but will not be able to get you out of prison or get you special treatment because you’re British. Find out what help the embassy or consulate can offer.
Family and friends can contact:
- the British embassy in Doha
- the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) in London on +44 (0)20 7008 5000
British Embassy Doha
British Embassy
PO Box 3
Doha
Qatar
Telephone: +974 4496 2000 (select option 2 for consular services)
Finding a lawyer and translator
Find a lawyer in Qatar
You should carefully consider getting a local lawyer. Discuss all costs with them in advance.
Prisoners Abroad has information on appointing a lawyer and legal aid (not specific to Qatar).
Private lawyers
Check the list of local English-speaking lawyers if you want to appoint a private lawyer. Ask the British embassy if you need a paper copy.
Private lawyers may ask for payment in advance for their estimated legal fees before taking on a case.
Legal aid
Legal aid is not available in Qatar.
Court-appointed lawyers
If you do not appoint a private lawyer, you may be eligible for a court-appointed lawyer depending on the charges against you if your case is referred to the Court of First Instance. You will not have to pay a fee for the court-appointed lawyer.
Find a translator or interpreter in Qatar
You might need an interpreter to help you speak to your lawyer or to understand what’s happening at your trial. You may also need a translator to help you read Arabic documents about your case.
Do not sign any documents unless you understand them. Ask an English-speaking officer to translate any Arabic document you are signing.
Official translators are provided in court for when the judge wants to speak directly to the defendant. They’re not responsible for translating all court proceedings.
Search for an English-speaking translator or interpreter in Qatar.
What happens when you’re arrested in Qatar
The police can arrest you and take you to a local police station:
- because of an existing arrest warrant
- where there are grounds for detaining you
- if you’re caught in the act of performing a crime
- if it’s expected you’ll leave the country to escape justice
- if they cannot confirm your identity
The police will also ask you questions to get more information to carry out an investigation.
They’ll then put you in the holding cells (men and women have separate areas) before you appear in front of the public prosecutor, normally by video link. This should normally be within 24 hours of the arrest.
Your rights
You have the right to:
- ask for a sworn legal Arabic translator
- appoint a defence lawyer of your choice
- ask for bail
- make phone calls (international calls may not be possible)
- request a visit from family, friends or consular staff
How long you can be held for after arrest
You should appear before the public prosecutor, normally by video link, within 24 hours of being arrested. There can be exceptions to this, for example if you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs, are medically unfit or there’s a public holiday.
The public prosecutor will decide if you’ll be released without charge, receive bail, remain in prison for 4 days for further investigation, or be detained on remand while you wait for your trial. They may keep or change the charges initially given by the police.
If the public prosecutor wants to keep you in prison for longer than 4 days while they investigate your case, they can ask a judge to approve a further 30 days detention. Alternatively, they can permit bail. They should not detain you for more than 6 months without charging you, unless your case is being referred to the criminal court. The public prosecutor should review your detention every 45 days.
Personal belongings
Upon arrest, your personal items including your mobile phone will be taken and put in a safe place. You’ll stay in the clothes you were arrested in.
Being put on remand
You may be put on remand if you’re strongly suspected of committing an offence. This means you’ll be put in prison while you wait for the criminal investigation and trial to finish.
How long you can be on remand for
The public prosecutor normally has 6 months to investigate your case and take it to the Court of First Instance for your trial to start.
Bail
Only a public prosecutor or a judge can approve bail during your trial. You or your lawyer can ask for bail when you meet the public prosecutor or judge or ask in writing at any stage.
The public prosecutor or judge decides bail conditions. The British embassy has no say in them. Bail conditions can include:
- giving your passport to the authorities
- a travel ban
- giving the passport of your bail guarantor or someone else to the authorities
- paying an amount to the courts (a financial bond)
The right to bail can be taken away from you as the investigation continues.
Bail guarantors can be of any nationality but should usually have a valid Qatar residency. If you do not report to the authorities when you need to while on bail, your guarantor will have to pay any fine you’re given or even be put in jail.
The embassy or consulate cannot transfer bail funds for you.
Arriving at prison
Remand prisoners are usually held in a local police station. Sentenced prisoners are held in Central Prison or Industrial Area Prison.
When you’re transported anywhere, you’ll be handcuffed behind your back and sometimes chained at the legs. Speak to the prison doctor if you have a medical condition that would be affected by this.
When you arrive at prison you’ll have a body search. Sentenced male prisoners will have their heads shaved. Tell the prison if there’s a religious reason for you not to have your head shaved. If you contact the British embassy immediately, it can also try to highlight this to the prison.
Your next-of-kin will not be told you’re in prison.
Personal belongings
All your possessions will be taken away and stored securely. You can arrange for someone to collect them later.
If you are sentenced, you will be given a uniform.
Your prison cell
Central Prison has both shared and single cells. The prison provides all bedding, as well as basic toiletries. Electricity and running water are provided. There is natural light, and detainees can regularly go outside for fresh air.
Remand prisoners in police stations will be in shared cells. Conditions will vary depending on the police station.
Contacting the British embassy or consulate
Tell the prison if you want the British embassy or consulate to know you’re in prison.
Medical check-up
Tell the doctor about any medical conditions you already have. The doctor will decide if you need a special diet or any other medical treatment.
Contact the British embassy or consulate if you need help getting your medical notes from the UK.
Rights and responsibilities in prison
The authorities will explain the prison rules and regulations when you arrive. If you do not follow the rules, you may be punished. A form of punishment could be temporary removal of privileges, for example time outdoors, phone calls and access to the library. Qatar has a zero-tolerance approach to drugs.
Visits from family or friends
You’re allowed visits from close family. The prison authorities must approve them first. They may allow visits from non-family members in certain cases - you should raise this with the authorities. Sentenced prisoners may be allowed conjugal visits if they are married. Unmarried partners may be denied visiting rights.
How many visits you’re allowed
You are usually allowed one visit a week from different types of people: men, women, embassy representative and your lawyer.
Arranging visits
Visiting days and times can be quite specific depending on which facility, or which section of a facility you are being held at. They may change with no notice, so you or your family should find out this information from the prison directly. There are separate allocated days for visits for men, women, embassies and lawyers.
During the visit
Everyone visiting a prison must bring ID with them. Visitors will be searched as well as any items they bring for the prisoner.
It is likely that a police officer will be present or nearby during the visit.
What visitors can take with them
There are strict rules on what can and cannot be brought for prisoners. The rules for police stations and prisons are different.
To police stations, visitors may bring food, clothes, toiletries, a towel and money.
To prisons, visitors may bring reading material; however, censorship is strict (avoid offensive material with political or religious content, magazines and pictures). Clothing is occasionally permitted, however all items will be examined by prison authorities on arrival and may be refused.
Acceptance of any items at any facility is at the sole discretion of the authorities.
Money
The British embassy or consulate does not provide financial assistance to prisoners.
Money transfers from family or friends
Friends or family of prisoners can take cash funds to the police station or prison.
Money transfers through the British Embassy
Money for prisoners can also be sent through the British embassy. Ask your family or friends to get in touch with the FCDO to arrange this.
Prison accounts
You will get an account when you arrive at prison. Any money you have when you arrive or that is sent to you will be put in this account.
How to make a complaint about mistreatment
The British embassy can help if you have been mistreated or abused – it will take all complaints seriously. Tell the embassy first if you decide to make a complaint. The embassy will ask your permission before taking any action.
Complaining to the public prosecutor
If you would like the mistreatment to be investigated and taken further, you should report it to the public prosecutor.
You can speak to consular staff who will gather as much information from you as possible so they can write to the local authorities about your complaint and ask for an impartial investigation to take place. You should also speak to your lawyer if you have one.
You can complain to the public prosecutor at any time, but the authorities might say it’s harder for them to investigate allegations of mistreatment if some time has passed.
There is no independent body to investigate allegations of mistreatment by the police in Qatar.
Your investigation and trial in Qatar
The Qatar justice system is not the same as the UK’s. It’s based on Sharia law and is not jury based.
Judges are responsible for carrying out a wide range of enquiries, including considering police reports, public prosecutors’ presentations, forensic reports and defence lawyers’ statements.
The trial is the final part of the investigation.
Arabic is the official language in court, although some officials may speak English. Official translators are provided for when the judge wants to speak directly to the defendant. Court translators are not responsible for translating all court proceedings.
Transcripts of court proceedings in Arabic are available after each hearing. Your lawyer can request it for you. You should consider getting an Arabic interpreter.
The embassy cannot interfere with the Qatar justice system. It cannot ask for your case to be judged more quickly just because you’re British or ask the authorities to waive any penalties.
Types of court
There are 3 types of court in Qatar:
- Court of First Instance Misdemeanours and Felonies – all criminal cases are initially heard here
- Court of Appeal – where you or the prosecution can appeal the outcome of the case on factual or legal grounds
- Court of Cassation – the highest court where judgments are final and not subject to appeal
The Court of Cassation will only hear disputes on matters of the law.
Completion of investigations
A public prosecutor will investigate the alleged offences while you’re on remand. They may interview you and any witnesses and collect any relevant evidence. This might take some time. For example, statements from financial institutions can take months to be prepared, and forensic analysis of blood or urine samples can take several weeks.
During the investigation the public prosecutor can keep the same charges, increase the charges or reduce them. The charges decided by the public prosecutor will be the ones heard at court for your trial.
The investigation stage is finished when the public prosecutor believes they have enough evidence to take you to trial or the case is resolved by the public prosecutor, and you are released.
The indictment
When there’s enough evidence to open a prosecution, the investigation stage is formally closed and the trial stage is opened.
The public prosecutor must produce an indictment, showing:
- the accused
- the crime they’re accused of
- when and where the alleged crime took place
- the criminal laws that apply to the case
A date for the first hearing will be set once the judge receives the indictment. You or your lawyer can apply to get a copy of the case file at this point.
The trial
A judge, not a jury, will hear the case at your trial. The judge may hear evidence from witnesses, the defence and the accused. This could be at separate hearings.
The judge will ask most of the questions during the trial. However, the judge may not want to question you, and you may not be asked any questions at all.
The judge can request additional evidence or reports. If this happens, a date will be set for the next hearing.
Hearings are usually held several weeks or months apart until the trial reaches its conclusion. There will be a separate court session for the sentencing.
Sentences
The sentence given will depend on the type of crime, and could be one or more of:
- a prison sentence
- a fine
- deportation
- the death penalty, in certain rare cases
The length of prison sentences also depends on the type of crime.
The death penalty
Although the death penalty is the maximum penalty for some crimes in Qatar, it’s rarely carried out. The British government opposes the death penalty in all circumstances.
Crimes carrying a maximum penalty of death in Qatar are:
- crimes affecting the security and interests of Qatar
- perjury if this false testimony results in a death penalty
- crimes upon persons like premediated murder
- arson resulting in death
- kidnapping resulting in death
- rape
If you’re facing death penalty charges, the British embassy can raise its objection to the Qatari authorities. If you receive a death sentence, the British embassy will try and ensure it’s not carried out.
The organisation Reprieve can also work with you and give advice if you’re facing the death penalty.
Making an appeal
You and the prosecution can appeal a judgement.
Appeals must be made to the Appeal Court within 15 days of sentencing. They can be submitted by you, through the prison authorities or by your lawyer.
If the appeal is not successful, you can appeal to the Court of Cassation within 30 days of the appeal court decision. This can only be on a point of law.
Speak to your lawyer for more information about making an appeal.
Prison conditions in Qatar
In Qatar the exact rules and regulations for prisons can be different depending on which facility you are in.
Letters and packages
Prisoners are allowed to receive letters and to send letters out of the prison. You can have letters sent directly to Central Prison at the following address:
(Name of prisoner)
Central Prison
Building 716
Street 470
Zone 81
PO Box: 6949
Qatar
You can have letters sent directly to Industrial Area Prison at the following address:
(Name of prisoner)
Industrial Area Prison
Abu Samra Street
Zone 57
Qatar
Mail cannot be sent to prisoners on remand.
Checks on your mail
There are rules about what you can and cannot receive. All letters and reading material are censored. This procedure means that it may be some time before they are given to you. Pornographic or offensive material of any kind is strictly forbidden. If you are being held at a temporary holding facility or a police station, it may not be possible to send or receive post directly. You should speak to consular staff who may be able to assist.
Telephone calls
Prisoners in Qatar can make telephone calls. There will be rules about when, where to and how long the calls are for. You must use a phone card for international calls. You can buy a card from the prison shop.
There can be a long wait for the phone, and you may not be able to make a call if it’s too busy. It’s a good idea to give family and friends a range of times when you might call.
The British embassy can help pass on messages to your friends or family if you cannot make international calls.
You will be told your allocated dates and times to make calls.
You’ll be given a prison phone account and will have a certain number of registered numbers you can add to it. You must ask the prison to add to or change the numbers on your account.
The right to telephone calls may be removed as punishment for bad behaviour.
Medical and dental treatment
Your basic medical needs must be met while you’re detained in Qatar. Medical and dental treatment is provided free of charge. If you have ongoing medical problems, you should get treatment either in the prison or, if required, a hospital. You cannot access private healthcare while in prison.
With your permission, we can make sure any medical or dental problems you have are brought to the attention of police or prison doctors. We can also contact your GP in the UK if the police or prison doctor requests previous medical records.
Treatment for a new illness or condition
If you need medical or dental treatment, make an appointment to see the prison doctor or request a hospital or dentist visit. Contact the British embassy if you do not get to see a doctor after you have asked to.
Prison doctors are often the equivalent of a UK GP, so you may need to be referred to a hospital doctor even if the prison has a clinic.
Existing conditions
The British embassy or consulate can try to make sure the prison knows about any medical or dental issues you have if you want it to. It can also talk to your UK GP to help get your medical records sent to the prison.
You might be transferred to a hospital with a police guard if your condition cannot be treated in prison.
Mental health care
Talk to the prison doctor as soon as possible and ask to see a psychiatrist if you feel you need treatment for your mental health. For example, you have depression or anxiety.
Emergency trips outside prison
Permission for trips outside of prison in the case of an urgent situation, for example funerals or a family illness, is at the sole discretion of the prison authorities. Overseas travel to the UK for these would not be allowed.
Food and diet
The prison provides 3 meals a day, and the main meals are usually rice and meat. Fruit is provided once a day. Special dietary requirements will usually be met. You can buy food and personal supplies from the prison shop. Clean drinking water is always available.
Special diets
You must ask to see the doctor for them to approve a special diet for medical reasons. If you ask for a special diet, for example vegetarian or vegan, this might be provided but is not an automatic right.
Prison shop
Prisoners can buy items like food and drink, phone cards, toiletries and some clothes at the shop using their prison account.
Showers and hygiene
The prison provides basic toiletries, and you can also buy some extra items from the prison shop. Prisoners have good access to shared toilet and shower areas.
Work and study
You can work in the prison, but it is not compulsory. You can ask the prison authorities what work is available, if it is paid and how long the hours are. This will vary.
There are educational opportunities for prisoners, however these are limited and at the discretion of the prison authorities.
Books, languages, activities and study
Prison libraries have good selections of books in English. Visitors can also bring in books at the discretion of the prison authorities.
Prisoners Abroad might be able to send some reading material, language textbooks and dictionaries.
Each prison block should have a television, but prisoners are not allowed access to computers or the internet.
Prison populations in Qatar are reflective of the many nationalities that live in Qatar. Contact with other inmates is not restricted. You can be placed in the same block as other English-speaking prisoners if you ask, however it is under the sole discretion of the prison authorities.
Exercise
You will be allowed to go outdoors daily at specific times. The timings will change depending on the block. There are basic exercise facilities outdoors and prisoners can engage in team sports such as football. The prison authorities do not organise regular exercise.
Clothing
You wear your own clothes if you’re detained at a police station.
In prison you’ll get a basic uniform. Clothes like t-shirts, flip flops and jumpers for winter can be bought from the prison shop.
Friends and families may sometimes be allowed to leave clothes for you – they’ll need to check what items and colours are permitted at the police station or prison where you’re held.
Religion
You are free to practice your religion and have the right to receive visits from a priest or minister of your faith. Prisons are not staffed by religious ministers.
During Ramadan, you are not forced to fast, however mealtimes will change, and certain things may not be available during the normal times, for example access to the library or time outdoors.
Mobile phones
You’re not allowed access to your mobile phone while detained in Qatar.
Transferring to another prison
This is unlikely. Whilst there are various detention facilities in Qatar, most prisoners once convicted will serve their sentences at Central or Industrial Area Prison.
Transferring to a prison in the UK
The UK and Qatar do not have a Prisoner Transfer Agreement, therefore transfer to a prison in the UK is not possible.
Early release
There are no provisions for early release on parole.
Reduction of sentence (remission)
Once you have served three-quarters of your sentence, you can ask the prison authorities if you are eligible for early release, provided you have shown good behaviour. This is not guaranteed. Some case types are not eligible
Clemency or pardon
During Ramadan and around National Day, HH the Amir may grant pardons. Decisions on Amiri Pardons are taken on a case-by-case basis – there are no rules for success, and few are granted. Not all offences are eligible for consideration.
It may be helpful to submit your application with supporting letters. The most important will be from family members. Others could be from friends or a professional person who will support your case, for example your MP or lawyer.
To ask for clemency, you should send a letter addressed to HH the Amir. It should:
- be no longer than one page of A4
- be translated into Arabic
- give reasons why you should be granted clemency
- include that you understand the seriousness of your offence, repent your past conduct, long for reunion with your family, wish to lead a socially useful life in future and will never do wrong again
Speak to your lawyer about the exact contents of the letter. The British embassy can arrange for the letter to be delivered to the Qatari authorities. More than one letter can be sent, for example from you and one or more people applying on your behalf, but they must all be submitted together.
The British embassy cannot follow up the progress of a clemency application. You or your lawyer will need to do this. If the embassy has submitted a clemency request for you, they might not get a response, and the decision is entirely up to HH the Amir.
Release and deportation
You can contact the British embassy or consulate if you need help when you’re released. You will usually be deported.
Deportation
If you are sentenced to imprisonment followed by deportation, you will be deported back to the UK once you have served your prison sentence and pay your fine (if applicable). This is known as judicial deportation. You will be transferred to the deportation centre, where you will remain while the authorities complete the deportation process. This may take some time. You can travel to an alternative country which will be at your own expense.
If the court did not order a deportation following the completion of a custodial sentence, you will be released into Qatar. However, a case may still be referred to the Diwan’s office. The Diwan’s office will then consider issuing an administrative deportation order.
Flights to the UK
On the day of your flight your valuables and passport will be returned to you. You will then be transferred from the custody of the deportation centre to the Immigration Police, who will escort you to the aircraft. It will be your responsibility to ensure you have sufficient funds and to have made arrangements for any excess baggage to travel with you. The embassy cannot take possession of any personal items.
Getting a passport
Make sure your British passport is still valid. Contact the British embassy or consulate before you’re released if you need an emergency passport for your journey home.
Useful Arabic words and phrases
| English | Arabic |
|---|---|
| Amnesty/ Pardon | Afou |
| Appeal | Istinaf |
| Application form | Talab |
| Case | Qadiya |
| Case number | Rakam al Qadiya |
| Central Prison | Al Sejin Al Markazi |
| Complaint | Shakwa |
| Court | Mahkama |
| Deportation | Ib’aad |
| Deposit | Amanat |
| Guilty | Mouznib |
| Hearing session | Jalsat Istimaa |
| Indictment | Al Touhma |
| Innocent | Barei |
| Interpreter | Moutarjem |
| Jail | Sejin |
| Judgement | Mouhakama |
| Lawyer | Mouhami |
| Notary | Kateb Adel |
| Plaintiff | Al Moudaii |
| Police | Shurta |
| Power of attorney | Wakala |
| Prison Director | Mudir Al Sejin |
| Prison rules | Qanoun Al Sejin |
| Prosecutor | Niyaba |
| Release | Efraj |
| Security | Amn |
| Punishment | Oukouba |
| Sentence | Al Hokom |
| Sharia Court | Al Mahkama Al Shariaa |
| The Accused | Al Mutaham |
| Ward number | Raqam Al Anbar |
| Witness | Shahed |
| English | Arabic |
|---|---|
| Tomorrow | Boukra |
| Visit | Ziyara |
| Water | Maa |
| To buy | Ashtary |
| Sick | Mareed |
| Soap | Saboon |
| Telephone call | Moukalamat telephone |
| Problem | Mushkila |
| Library | Maktaba |
| Money | Feloos |
| No Problem | Ma fi moushkila |
| Bathroom | Hammaam |
| Blanket | Battaniya |
| Blood test | Fahs dam |
| Book | Kitab |
| Clinic | Eyada |
| Doctor | Tabeeb |
| Embassy | Safara |
| Food | Ta’am |