The young activist for women's rights in Qatar Nouf al-Maadid, who had disappeared from radar for three months, posted several videos Sunday evening January 9 on a "
new account
" Twitter, assuring that she was "
fine
".
In October, this fervent critic of the treatment of women in Qatar said on Twitter that she had suffered threats since returning to this very conservative Gulf country, after seeking asylum in the United Kingdom.
“
I'm fine, I'm healthy and safe. This video is to reassure those who have mobilized
, ”said Nouf al-Maadid in the first video posted Sunday evening. The video was posted on her "
new
" Twitter account, the young activist in her twenties saying she "
lost
" the password of the previous one, where she has more than 16,000 subscribers. On two other short videos, she insists on
the "authenticity
" of these images taken according to her on January 9, 2022, adding that she was in Doha, blackout curtains completely closed behind her. “
Nouf is there. Nouf is alive. Nouf is not dead
, ”she insisted with a big smile.
After the publication of these videos, the NGO Human Rights Watch (HRW) called on Qatar to respect “
its freedom of association and expression
”.
"
Now that she is online, that she is posting videos (...), I hope that the Qatari authorities will now ensure that she can lead an independent and free life
," told AFP Rothna Begum, HRW Women's Rights Researcher.
Last month, the NGO expressed concerns about the fate of Nouf al-Maadid who claimed to have been threatened by his family.
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The activist had not posted anything on Twitter since October 13.
In mid-December, a Qatari official assured AFP that Nouf al-Maadid was "
safe and healthy
", but that she could not speak publicly "
for private reasons
".
Human rights organizations regularly denounce multiple violations in the rich gas state, in particular the lack of freedom of expression.
The condemnations have increased since Qatar was selected as the host country for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, turning the spotlight further on the emirate which rejects criticism.