Manuel Guerrero Aviña, a British-Mexican man who was detained in Qatar for six months on drug charges, has given his first interview since his arrest. In an exclusive interview with BBC News, Manuel shared his harrowing experience and issued a warning to the LGBT community about visiting Qatar.
Manuel, who claims he was targeted because of his sexuality, emphasized the need for caution when visiting the country, stating, “What happened to me could happen to anyone.” He recounted his arrest in February after arranging to meet a man on the gay dating app Grindr, only to discover that the man was an undercover police officer.
Despite human-rights groups raising concerns about his detention and trial, Qatari officials maintain that Manuel was arrested for drug offenses. After being found guilty and sentenced to a six-month suspended prison term, Manuel was deported to the UK.
During his time in a Qatari prison, Manuel faced terrifying experiences and witnessed harsh treatment of other inmates. He maintained his innocence regarding the drug charges, alleging that police officers planted evidence in his flat and focused on his sexuality during interrogations.
Homosexuality is criminalized in Qatar, and Manuel’s case sheds light on the challenges faced by LGBT individuals in the country. Despite living in Qatar for seven years without incident, Manuel found himself in a precarious situation due to his sexual orientation.
Manuel’s story has sparked outrage and calls for justice from human-rights organizations and activists. His ordeal highlights the need for reform in Qatar’s justice system and protection of LGBT rights.
Now back in the UK, Manuel is focused on rebuilding his life and raising awareness about the dangers faced by LGBT individuals in countries with discriminatory laws. His courage in sharing his story serves as a reminder of the importance of standing up for human rights and equality.
