Qatari police have been told not to arrest female rape victims. Yes, you read that right... in the Gulf state where any sex outside marriage is treated as a crime, FIFA has sent an advisory notice to police officers saying that any fans who fall victim to a rape or sexual assault should not be charged with extra-marital relationships, as would usually happen.

The FIFA security committee briefing states: “Law enforcement could only get involved if there is a suspicion of sexual violence or abuse against women.”

It further adds: “Women will not face any accusations if they report rape or sexual harassment/violence.”

The sentence for the “crime” is seven years in jail and 100 lashes. Last year, World Cup organising committee worker Paola Schietekat, 28, from Mexico, complained of being assaulted in bed by a colleague who broke into her apartment in Qatar.

Police accused her of having an affair and charged her with “extramarital sex”. The man was acquitted of assault charges but Ms Schietekat remained under suspicion and left the country after being told one way to avoid a conviction would be to marry her alleged attacker. The document also advises about pregnant women who seek medical help at the tournament.

They are usually placed under suspicion if they are not married under Qatar’s strict morality laws. But the FIFA briefing states: “Women will be able to receive medical care including... related to pregnancy or reproductive health regardless of circumstances and will not face accusations.”

Meanwhile FIFA has threatened captains with a booking for wearing the OneLove anti-discrimination armband during games in Qatar.

source: mirror.co.uk