Top OFW Safety Tips
Police Arrests – Qatar
What will happen if I am arrested?
The police authorities have the power to detain an arrested person for up to 24 hours before referring the case to the public prosecutor. The prosecutor may order the accused to be released, remanded in custody to await trial, held in pre-trial detention pending investigation, or released on bail.
The state security service can arrest and detain accused for up to 30 days without referring the accused to the public prosecutor.
What will happen during the investigation?
The public prosecutor can detain an accused for up to 15 days, with the approval of a judge, if the prosecutor finds sufficient evidence for further investigation. Pre-trial detention is renewable for similar periods not to exceed 45 days, before charges must be filed in the courts.
Judges may also extend pre-trial detention for one month, renewable for one-month period not to exceed half of the maximum punishment for the accused crime.
Can I be released on bail?
While the investigation is ongoing, the public prosecutor may release accused on bail, with or without conditions. There is no automatic right to bail. It is not standard practice for passports to be retained but a travel ban may be put in place until the investigations are concluded.
What will happen during the trial?
The public prosecutor presents the case on behalf of the state, the accused is allowed legal representation throughout the pre-trial and trial process and the accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Generally, trials are held in open court, but the presiding judge can close the courtroom to the public if the case is deemed sensitive. Lawyers prepare litigants and speak for them during the hearing. Non-Arabic speakers are generally provided with interpreters by the court.
What if I cannot afford a lawyer?
Generally, detainees are entitled to legal representation throughout the pre-trial and trial procedures. Investigations will be conducted in Arabic. There state-funded legal counsel in criminal cases for those who cannot afford a lawyer. An interpreter should be provided to assist in the investigation involving a non-Arabic speaker.
Can I appeal the judgement?
Within 15 days from judgment, you must submit your appeal to the Appeal Court if the defendant was present in court. If they were not present, appeals can be made within 15 days from the publication of the judgement. Further appeal can be made to the Court of Cassation within 60 days of the publication of the Appeal Court’s judgement in some cases.
Prison Conditions
If proven guilty, you will be transported from the police station to the courts or to central prison handcuffs and leg chains. For a court appearance, hospital visit or deportation you may be transported in shackles. Wearing Abaya for female detainees may be required for court appearances.
Release and Deportation
If your sentence includes deportation, you will be deported back to the Philippines once the prison term has been served. You will be expected to finance your own deportation and you will be kept in prison until you have arranged for your air ticket.
If you are sentenced to deportation, you will be transported in shackles to the airport to leave the country. You will be taken to the airport police station and put in the custody of the immigration police who will escort you to the plane.
Clemency or Pardon
Pardons may be granted by the Head of the State of Qatar, during Ramadan and around National Day.
You should addressed your request to the Head of the State with supporting letters. The most important will be from family members. Others should be from friends, plus perhaps another letter from a professional person who will support your case.
Source:
Gulf Law | http://www.gulflaw.info/index.php