The Qatari authorities charged the Kenyan worker, “Malcolm Bedali,” with receiving funds from a foreign party for the purpose of spreading misleading information, according to what was reported by the French Press Agency, quoting the Qatari government liaison office.
The office said – in a statement – that a thorough investigation of the case led to its referral to the Public Prosecution Office and directing these charges to Bidali, confirming that he will be subject to trial.
The government office indicated that Bidali met the Kenyan ambassador in Doha and representatives from the International Labor Organization, and that he was getting legal advice and representation before the trial date.
Amnesty International had called for Bidali’s release, about 3 weeks after his arrest.
The organization said that the Kenyan worker is a security guard, blogger and activist, and has spoken out loud about the plight of migrant workers like himself, and has written for a number of online platforms.
Qatar’s National Human Rights Committee stated that Bidali was “treated in an appropriate manner”, and that staff from the Kenyan embassy had visited him. He has also contacted his family and the International Labor Organization.