More than one month has passed since the disappearance of a women’s rights activist in Qatar, after her return from exile in Britain.
Noof al-Maadeed, 23, was lured back to the Gulf state by the authorities who promised that she would be safe from reprisals after she became an internet sensation with her videos criticising Qatar’s male guardianship system.
These strict regulations make it so that women cannot marry or travel to other countries, get higher education, and receive reproductive health care.
Sources claim that Noof Al-Maadeed (pictured), a concerned friend, is hiding to ensure her safety. But they were unable to reach her directly.
Noof, who had been speaking out about being in danger and getting death threats by abusive relatives, vanished October 13.
According to campaigners, she may be held hostage by Qatari officials. Since her disappearance, she hasn’t contacted any of her friends.
Rothna Begum from Human Rights Watch said: ‘It’s a year until the World Cup and we have a woman in Qatar who has gone missing and there remain big questions about whether she’s safe. We believe she is under some form of detention.’
Noof was lured back to the Gulf state by the authorities who promised that she would be safe from reprisals after she became an internet sensation with her videos criticising Qatar’s male guardianship system
Qatari officials have yet to comment.
Sources say Noof has been hiding from her friends for safety reasons, but haven’t been able speak with her.
Ms Begum said: ‘She is not somebody who’d switch off and not tell a single person how she is doing.’
Noof was born in Cardiff, but she returned home to Qatar last month following assurances from authorities that her safety would be assured.