Qatar Airways Privilege Club - Qatar passenger thrown into Qatari jail for complaining about staff noice

Interesting (and rather frightening) article from Le Monde about a passenger with a bad experience on Qatar Airways - I have not seen this reported in the anglophone press. Translation is as follows.

Headline: "On Qatar Airways, One Doesn't Play With Authority"

Summary: Louis Thevenin, Director of the Alliance Francaise in Cebu, Philippines, spent 30 hours in a Doha prison for a simple verbal altercation with Qatar Airways flight staff.

The incident began on QR 657 (Cebu to Doha) on 16 February. Mr. Thevenin, a gold-card holder and business-class passenger, was woken up by laughter. He said, "The captain had left his post and was flirting with the stewardess, with a beer in his hand, in the galley."

With the noise continuing, Mr. Thevenin complained to a steward, who replied, "You can only change your seat, place yourself further away." The head steward arrived and said he could not do anything, as it was the captain. Furious, Mr. Thevenin threatened to cause a scandal if the pilot did not stop. He won, and went back to sleep.

Mr. Thevenin was supposed to change planes in Qatar and then continue on to Dubai and Paris. He was intercepted by police upon arrival in Doha, and taken to the central police station. Accused of having a threatening attitude against Qatar Airways staff, his cell phone was taken away and he was incarcerated in a jail without a window and with a filthy mattress.

His cellmates were the "untouchables" of Qatari society: the immigrant workforce who comprise 85% of the population and only have the right to work and to be quiet. Mr. Thevenin said, "Two Nepalis had been there a long time - one because he had gone out with a woman with whom he was not married, and the other because he had written an expletive on his Facebook page. There was also a Syrian who had been a day late renewing his visa. I thought that I was going to languish in prison for months like them."

Fortunately for Mr. Thevenin, French-Qatari relations are excellent. He was released at 4:00 AM on 18 February, after a fast hearing and a 500 riyal (100 euro) fine. He said, "If I had not been European, I would still be in my cell." At the airport, a final inconvenience awaited him. Qatar Airways had cancelled his tickets for Dubai and Paris. Closed over the weekend, the airline did not respond to our request for follow-up. Mr. Thevenin stated, "I lost close to US$15,000 in this story." Welcome in Qatar![/I]

--------------

It will be interesting to see if the Qatar Airways staff on here respond, and how. The usual "respect the local culture" arguments don't cut it here. Numerous questions abound - why the captain was drinking, the abuse of power by the airline and the police, the number of foreigners in prison for minor infractions...

Original article (in French):
http://www.lemonde.fr/proche-orient/article/2012/02/25/sur-qatar-airways-on-ne-badine-pas-avec-l-autorite_1648393_3218.html

:eek:

Captain drinking :eek:

Put in jail for FB comment :eek:

I have seen several stories liike this, e.g.,the famous one about the British couple in Dubai who were supposedly jailed just for kissing on the beach, which conveniently left out the rest of the story.

I am always skeptical, and believe that there is more to the story here, too. You wouldn't know it from Le Monde, a news source probably biased to the French alleged victim -- they apparently didn't seek any other side of the story, and felt compelled to add some gratuitous commentary about Qatari society, which they apparently also didn't fact check. I don't believe for one second that one would be thrown in jail for writing an expletive on his Facebook page. And I have lived in Qatar, and dealt with the legal system, for three years.

Plus, a minor factual qualm: Qatar Airways does not sell tickets from Dubai to Paris, so they couldn't have cancelled his ticket to Paris. Presumably he was on QR from CEB-DOH-DXB, connecting on another airline to Paris. But this just seems like sloppy journalism.

I hate to sound like a Qatar apologist, but, even in Qatar, one can count on a small amount of basic common sense, which we should apply to the "numerous questions [that] abound."

I was initially shocked at first, but I too am waiting for the full story.

As present it just sounds very sensationalized.

I have seen several stories liike this, e.g.,the famous one about the British couple in Dubai who were supposedly jailed just for kissing on the beach, which conveniently left out the rest of the story.

I am always skeptical, and believe that there is more to the story here, too. You wouldn't know it from Le Monde, a news source probably biased to the French alleged victim -- they apparently didn't seek any other side of the story, and felt compelled to add some gratuitous commentary about Qatari society, which they apparently also didn't fact check. I don't believe for one second that one would be thrown in jail for writing an expletive on his Facebook page. And I have lived in Qatar, and dealt with the legal system, for three years.

Plus, a minor factual qualm: Qatar Airways does not sell tickets from Dubai to Paris, so they couldn't have cancelled his ticket to Paris. Presumably he was on QR from CEB-DOH-DXB, connecting on another airline to Paris. But this just seems like sloppy journalism.

I hate to sound like a Qatar apologist, but, even in Qatar, one can count on a small amount of basic common sense, which we should apply to the "numerous questions [that] abound."

I've flown a DXB-DOH-CDG with QR ! Why QR wouldn't sell it ?:confused:

The point is that the guy threatened to cause a scandal.. in that he himself was threatening the crew... that this happened. He should have just perhaps brought up the matter after his arrival in Paris - and that to the newspapers or airline. But then again, after this incident, I am sure there will be much publicity at least in France !!

I've flown a DXB-DOH-CDG with QR ! Why QR wouldn't sell it ?:confused:

The article says, "Mr. Thevenin was supposed to change planes in Qatar and then continue on to Dubai and Paris." I doesn't seem that he was scheduled to return to Doha again after Dubai.

Interesting story, but I would like to hear more. The translation is a bit sketchy though. 'he said / she said' stories are always tough, and I think it is probably fair to generally (but not always) side with the crew.

I think the biggest story is the captain with the beer. An on-duty captain with a beer is a serious offense.

Interesting story, but I would like to hear more. The translation is a bit sketchy though. 'he said / she said' stories are always tough, and I think it is probably fair to generally (but not always) side with the crew.

I think the biggest story is the captain with the beer. An on-duty captain with a beer is a serious offense.

This article is basically a load of racist crap, pardon my English. I am sick of these articles that will generalize a whole country based on one incident. It makes it sound as if the guy got put in jail for no reason whatsoever!

AND NO, I will not be touched and moved and play the violin by the "immigrant-rights Nepalese, Indian workforce" stuff WHICH is unrelated to this case. Why would he mention it in his article? In order to give Qatar a bad reputation. To give the impression that Qatar jails immigrants for no reason?

Qatar police are professional people and take matters seriously when it comes to the saftey of the passengers on board. When a passenger threatens staff of a plane, the staff will take matters by law and call in reinforcements to help the situation.

I was on a flight to Dubai recently, I am not sure if I was on the same flight as the article, where a European man was shoving cabin crew WOMEN and cursing Qatar and Qatar Airways and threatening to blow up the plane. HE was a bit drunk himself. NOW, how would people feel if I said Europeans are drunken savages which is obviously not true???

Come on guys, there are 2 sides to every story. Qatar Airways pilots take their job very seriously.

Quick reminder of the FT TOS, which can simply summed up as: stay on topic, comment on the post made not the poster. @:-) Accusatory language or personal comments will be removed without notice by the respective mods.

Thank you for your understanding. Now back to the on topic discussion.

Regards Oliver2002
Senior Mod

This article is basically a load of racist crap, pardon my English. I am sick of these articles that will generalize a whole country based on one incident. It makes it sound as if the guy got put in jail for no reason whatsoever!

AND NO, I will not be touched and moved and play the violin by the "immigrant-rights Nepalese, Indian workforce" stuff WHICH is unrelated to this case. Why would he mention it in his article? In order to give Qatar a bad reputation. To give the impression that Qatar jails immigrants for no reason?

Qatar police are professional people and take matters seriously when it comes to the saftey of the passengers on board. When a passenger threatens staff of a plane, the staff will take matters by law and call in reinforcements to help the situation.

I was on a flight to Dubai recently, I am not sure if I was on the same flight as the article, where a European man was shoving cabin crew WOMEN and cursing Qatar and Qatar Airways and threatening to blow up the plane. HE was a bit drunk himself. NOW, how would people feel if I said Europeans are drunken savages which is obviously not true???

Come on guys, there are 2 sides to every story. Qatar Airways pilots take their job very seriously.

Well said.

In my experiences, all employees of Qatar including the pilots take their jobs very seriously. Many are ex-BA by the way- so maybe that is why the bashing in French news ;) JOKING.

I am gonna call DYKWIA on Mr. Thevenin.... probably caused a drunken ruckus on the flight because he is oh so important, and then was shocked to get what was coming to him ...

Captain with a beer in hand :rolleyes: Really... someone would risk their career and livelihood to flirt with an FA :rolleyes:

I am gonna call DYKWIA on Mr. Thevenin.... probably caused a drunken ruckus on the flight because he is oh so important, and then was shocked to get what was coming to him ...

Captain with a beer in hand :rolleyes: Really... someone would risk their career and livelihood to flirt with an FA :rolleyes:

I flirted with FAs when I was single and nothing happened...

I flirted with FAs when I was single and nothing happened...

Obviously because of your looks, charm, and personality the FAs were loving every minute of it!

I was on a flight to Dubai recently, I am not sure if I was on the same flight as the article, where a European man was shoving cabin crew WOMEN and cursing Qatar and Qatar Airways and threatening to blow up the plane. HE was a bit drunk himself. NOW, how would people feel if I said Europeans are drunken savages which is obviously not always true???



just kidding...

Still waiting on the other side of the story!

I flirted with FAs when I was single and nothing happened...

were you flying the plane too? Do you ever read more than the last post in a thread, or does that get in the way of post padding?


He said, "The captain had left his post and was flirting with the stewardess, with a beer in his hand, in the galley."

I can't imagine a scenario in which an on-duty pilot would openly drink a beer in full view of business class passengers while simultaneously flirting with FAs.

I simply don't believe this story.

In my experiences on Qatar Airways when the pilot comes out of the cabin, for whatever reason, the FA's ask the galley to be clear of all passengers and close the curtain. Some rule to do with not allowing any kind of view of the cockpit during flight.

So the flirting with beer in hand during the flight sounds rather questionable. Definately sensationalised for the French readers.

The way Qatar treats its immigrant workforce from Asia is another story, but not one for discussion on these forums.

Maybe its a non-alcoholic beer? But still, the Captain would be out and about if he was maybe a relief pilot and drinking a pop that may have looked like beer!

The article says, "Mr. Thevenin was supposed to change planes in Qatar and then continue on to Dubai and Paris." I doesn't seem that he was scheduled to return to Doha again after Dubai.

you don't trust the journalist for the story and you trust him for the itinerary :rolleyes:

This article is basically a load of racist crap, pardon my English.
it doesn't seem that we read the same article : I didn't see any racist crap :confused:

also waiting on other side, anyone?

you don't trust the journalist for the story and you trust him for the itinerary :rolleyes:

His stated facts about the airline "cancelling" the ticket do not jibe with his stated facts about the itinerary. @:-)

The point is, much of the "reporting" appears to be sloppy, imprecise, and irrelevant, apparently with an axe to grind with Qatar and/or some other agenda; or, at a minimum, taking the aggrieved passenger at his word and not approaching his claims skeptically, the way a journalist should.

His stated facts about the airline "cancelling" the ticket do not jibe with his stated facts about the itinerary. @:-)

The point is, much of the "reporting" appears to be sloppy, imprecise, and irrelevant, apparently with an axe to grind with Qatar and/or some other agenda; or, at a minimum, taking the aggrieved passenger at his word and not approaching his claims skeptically, the way a journalist should.

He stated that the airline has cancelled the tickets to DXB and CDG, that is perfectly possible but I agree that he had to contact the airline to know their version.
I'm eager to read the official answer of the airline.
BTW this kind of incident could happen in a lot of countries.

This article is basically a load of racist crap, pardon my English. I am sick of these articles that will generalize a whole country based on one incident. It makes it sound as if the guy got put in jail for no reason whatsoever!

AND NO, I will not be touched and moved and play the violin by the "immigrant-rights Nepalese, Indian workforce" stuff WHICH is unrelated to this case. Why would he mention it in his article? In order to give Qatar a bad reputation. To give the impression that Qatar jails immigrants for no reason?

Qatar police are professional people and take matters seriously when it comes to the saftey of the passengers on board. When a passenger threatens staff of a plane, the staff will take matters by law and call in reinforcements to help the situation.

I was on a flight to Dubai recently, I am not sure if I was on the same flight as the article, where a European man was shoving cabin crew WOMEN and cursing Qatar and Qatar Airways and threatening to blow up the plane. HE was a bit drunk himself. NOW, how would people feel if I said Europeans are drunken savages which is obviously not true???

Come on guys, there are 2 sides to every story. Qatar Airways pilots take their job very seriously.

Le Monde is a highly respected daily newspaper in Paris (on a par with the NY Times) and is scrupulous in its avoidance of sensationalism. In the original French text the passenger states that he asked the crew to be quieter and when they failed to do so he threatened to complain upon arrival in Doha. At no time, according to the story in Le Monde, did the passenger M. Thevenin issue any threat to the security of the aircraft or the crew. There may well be another side to this story but Qatar Airways declined Le Monde's offer to tell theirs, as is mentioned at the end of the original article.

The article's mention of the carceral conditions in Doha is entirely relevant to the story (he was after all in jail) - and the ongoing abuse of immigrant minorities by the UAE/Qatar/KSA and others is of concern to every decent person of conscience in the Gulf and elsewhere.

I would add that the passenger in question was only released so expeditiously by the intervention of the French embassy. Qatar has excellent relations with France and does not want them affected by something so minor as this incident. Indeed many members of the Qatari ruling family are eager to live part of the year in France.

. . . and the ongoing abuse of immigrant minorities by the UAE/Qatar/KSA and others is of concern to every decent person of conscience in the Gulf and elsewhere.

You have basically made QatarA340 's point with this passage. I share your opinion about the treatment of immigrants by Gulf states, but this type of editorializing has no place in a putative news story in the paper. It seems apparent that the "journalist" who wrote the Le Monde article shares our opinion about the abuse of immigrants in the Gulf, and could not help but plant his viewpoint in the article.

You have basically made QatarA340 's point with this passage. I share your opinion about the treatment of immigrants by Gulf states, but this type of editorializing has no place in a putative news story in the paper. It seems apparent that the "journalist" who wrote the Le Monde article shares our opinion about the abuse of immigrants in the Gulf, and could not help but plant his viewpoint in the article.

There was no 'editorializing' in the story as it appeared in Le Monde. There was a direct quotation from the passenger arrested as to the conditions in jail, which included mention of his cellmates and the reasons for their incarceration. This is in turn was meant to illustrate the occasionally arbitrary nature of the criminal justice system in Qatar, of which much has been written by local and international Human Rights groups including Amnesty International.

It should be noted that this article appeared in Le Monde as part of a special supplement section covering the extraordinary campaign of high profile acquisitions here in France by Qatar's Sovereign Investment Fund and the Emirate's ruling family. The supplement was entitled 'Le Qatar rachète le monde'. In addition to Paris St Germain and numerous commercial properties in central Paris the Emir has bought the Hotel Lambert, generally considered to be the most beautiful 18th century house in Paris.

Well argued, Ashley.


With any luck regarding this particular instance, if the allegations of the pilot drinking are true, Qatar Airways will have quietly kicked him out the back door...

It should be noted that this article appeared in Le Monde as part of a special supplement section covering the extraordinary campaign of high profile acquisitions here in France by Qatar's Sovereign Investment Fund and the Emirate's ruling family. The supplement was entitled 'Le Qatar rachète le monde'. In addition to Paris St Germain and numerous commercial properties in central Paris the Emir has bought the Hotel Lambert, generally considered to be the most beautiful 18th century house in Paris.

I am sorry to come across as continually argumentative, but this is another angle that bothers me about the article. I know that there has been a lot of socialist, nationalist, protectionist backlash in France lately about the Qataris' acquisitions.

So it seems clear that the ancillary inclusions in this article, juxtaposed with stories about Qatar's investments in French assets, reflect an agenda by the author or the paper as a whole to discredit Qatar. This is why the author seemed to gleefully attack Qatar Airways and the Qatar criminal justice system without attempting proper journalistic fact-checking.

I am sorry to come across as continually argumentative, but this is another angle that bothers me about the article. I know that there has been a lot of socialist, nationalist, protectionist backlash in France lately about the Qataris' acquisitions.

So it seems clear that the ancillary inclusions in this article, juxtaposed with stories about Qatar's investments in French assets, reflect an agenda by the author or the paper as a whole to discredit Qatar. This is why the author seemed to gleefully attack Qatar Airways and the Qatar criminal justice system without attempting proper journalistic fact-checking.

There has been no 'socialist, nationalist, protectionist backlash' in France against Qatar. Qatar is a very good client for a number of French products. Nor was there any attack on Qatar or Qatar Airways. The article simply raised the possibility that the Qatari authorities had over-reacted at the behest of QR. It should be noted that similar articles have appeared concerning over-reactions by US authorities in similar situations.

Le Monde is one of Europe's leading newspapers. Even if one does not agree with its centre-left orientation editorially (this orientation is not reflected in news reporting, see similarly the Wall Street Journal for an example in the opposite sense) the newspaper's integrity is almost never questioned. As far as Qatar is concerned, there is an extraordinary thin skinned reaction on the part of Qataris to criticism. As the Emirate expands its presence in the region, and in the wider world (whether by acquisitions or by the expansion of its airline), Qataris will have to become accustomed to criticism, whether justified or not. It is all a part of being on the radar. Learning to live with it, and occasionally heed it, is part of being a mature, constructive member of the international community.

Qataris will have to become accustomed to criticism, whether justified or not. It is all a part of being on the radar. Learning to live with it, and occasionally heed it, is part of being a mature, constructive member of the international community.

^^

See nothing wrong with a dead-heading captain with a beer in his hands...

Le Monde is a highly respected daily newspaper in Paris (on a par with the NY Times) and is scrupulous in its avoidance of sensationalism. In the original French text the passenger states that he asked the crew to be quieter and when they failed to do so he threatened to complain upon arrival in Doha. At no time, according to the story in Le Monde, did the passenger M. Thevenin issue any threat to the security of the aircraft or the crew. There may well be another side to this story but Qatar Airways declined Le Monde's offer to tell theirs, as is mentioned at the end of the original article.

The article's mention of the carceral conditions in Doha is entirely relevant to the story (he was after all in jail) - and the ongoing abuse of immigrant minorities by the UAE/Qatar/KSA and others is of concern to every decent person of conscience in the Gulf and elsewhere.

I would add that the passenger in question was only released so expeditiously by the intervention of the French embassy. Qatar has excellent relations with France and does not want them affected by something so minor as this incident. Indeed many members of the Qatari ruling family are eager to live part of the year in France.

Well, with all due respect, your post is just as biased. The jail conditions in Qatar is full of expats? Qatar is composed of 80% expats vs 20% local native Qataris, hence the proportion is the same.

The jail conditions in the US are known for being notorious. Men often get raped, bullied, or live in filthy conditions in the US (yes, I saw a documentary in the US cable chanel CNN about it) . Jail is not the St.Regis no matter whether your in Figi, the US, or Brazil. Whatever...

Did you know that Qatar has the regional HQ of the UN center for Human Rights? Did you know that there a "blue-collar" city being set up with cricket-stadiums, cinemas, shops, and other entertainment to cater for their satisfactory life? I assume not... mainly because people in general want to report news that THEY WANT TO SENSATIONALIZE.


There was no 'editorializing' in the story as it appeared in Le Monde. There was a direct quotation from the passenger arrested as to the conditions in jail, which included mention of his cellmates and the reasons for their incarceration. This is in turn was meant to illustrate the occasionally arbitrary nature of the criminal justice system in Qatar, of which much has been written by local and international Human Rights groups including Amnesty International.

It should be noted that this article appeared in Le Monde as part of a special supplement section covering the extraordinary campaign of high profile acquisitions here in France by Qatar's Sovereign Investment Fund and the Emirate's ruling family. The supplement was entitled 'Le Qatar rachète le monde'. In addition to Paris St Germain and numerous commercial properties in central Paris the Emir has bought the Hotel Lambert, generally considered to be the most beautiful 18th century house in Paris.

Wrong.

I am not sure why you seem to say Qatari has an arbitary nature of criminal system as if we are living in a jungle or something. Qatar has a constitution and a set of rules illustrating flight saftey. It is not based on some occasionally arbititrary laws.

Sure in the US, OJ Simpson mudered his wife, and he is set free, and you could go on and respond to that. I could spill something else, and I could go ahead--and this could continue on and on and on. Tit for tat wastes my time so Im not going to respond further than this post.

Qatar is famous now; and we can handle critisim. I am responding to the critisim and responding to Qatar haters here in this post.


BTW, Qatar has invested millions to help inpovershed suburbs in Franch. Did you see that??? Did this article mention that??? Of course not.

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=web&cd=1&cts=1331446668304&ved=0CCQQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Feastwestwesteast.wordpress.com%2F 2012%2F01%2F05%2Fqatar-invests-in-frances-deprived-suburbs%2F&ei=h0NcT-qrJY7krAf-_oXtCw&usg=AFQjCNHsqZKGaeKv2PvNc7XKXUMUxgU9Ng&sig2=7GMmnjkmQ33eDBkaUH-yGA

Welcome to France where in addition to Iran and Saudi Arabia is the only country that imposes a certain dress code for women. :)

No mention was made of percentage of expat prisoners in Qatar. It was not relevant to the story. Prison conditions are also slightly beside the point. As you have so thoroughly pointed out carceral conditions are dreadful in many countries, including the US and France. This news story however was about Qatar and not the US or France. It may be consoling or distracting to deflect criticism by referring to problems elsewhere but it does not invalidate the initial criticism.

The point is not the arbitrary nature of the LAWS but of their application.

HH The Emir is clearly very enlightened and we look forward to welcoming him again in France very soon.

As I pointed out in an earlier post hyper-sensitivity to any criticism of Qatar is an obstacle to Qatar assuming its rightful place as a regional power of growing importance.

I've been trying to get a response from Qatar Airways about an incident that I read about in a number of places, including on this site and in Le Monde newspaper, here in France where I live.

Early this year a director of an Alliance Française travelling in Business Class was thrown into jail for two days on arrival in Doha because he had the temerity to complain about staff members making a noise whilst everyone was trying to sleep. What's more, one of the staff members concerned was apparently the Captain, who had a beer in his hand and was in the company of female hostesses.

This story worried me because in 2010 we had started using Qatar Business Class for going to Hong Kong from Paris and Casablanca. We always had very positive experiences and I was very surprised by this story. However, no-one from Qatar Airways has ever either denied it or spoken about it to say that the problem was dealt with, that the people concerned were sacked - or that the Alliance Française director was a liar and being sued for defamation. Nothing. Which leads me to be very uneasy. If the story was untrue then the airline should at least deny it. If it was true then they should have taken the necessary steps to reassure their clients that this was a 'rogue' captain who has since been reprimanded or sacked and that no client, whether Business Class or not, risks being sent to jail just because they complain about staff misbehaving.

This was the reassurance I was seeking from Qatar Airways. However, after numerous emails during the last 6 months to which no-one bothered to reply I am forced to the conclusion that the story is true and QA is either so arrogant that they don't care, or so incompetent in PR that they don't realise how much damage this kind of incident can do to their reputation. Therefore neither I, nor anyone connected to me or my company will now be travelling on Qatar Airways until I receive a full assurance from them that not only has this matter been resolved but that no client will again run the same risk.

This was news 5 months ago on the QR forum. Maybe you'd like to read the previous post...?

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/qatar-airways-privilege-club/1318922-qatar-passenger-thrown-into-qatari-jail-complaining-about-staff-noice.html

We're all entitled to our opinions, but refusing to fly with QR unless you and/or your company receive "full assurance" based on a news article which may or may not include the full facts... Really?

..
We're all entitled to our opinions, but refusing to fly with QR unless you and/or your company receive "full assurance" based on a news article which may or may not include the full facts... Really?

+ ^

I missed the original February posting, and am curious whether anyone has any links to any rebuttal or other follow-up by QR. TIA!

Where is our resident QR lurker/representative AlexCM when we need him ??

This was news 5 months ago on the QR forum. Maybe you'd like to read the previous post...?

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/qatar-airways-privilege-club/1318922-qatar-passenger-thrown-into-qatari-jail-complaining-about-staff-noice.html

We're all entitled to our opinions, but refusing to fly with QR unless you and/or your company receive "full assurance" based on a news article which may or may not include the full facts... Really?

This is based on a news article in Le Monde, which is a highly reputable newspaper, nobody would dispute that. The worrying part of this story is the absolute refusal of Qatar to communicate on this. They refused to comment to Le Monde and they decline to give their version of events. They haven't replied to my emails and they're not replying to the various posts that there have been on this and other fora. This makes me very uneasy. The obvious conclusion is that they either don't give a damn or that they have something to hide. Neither one nor the other puts them in a good light.

It may seem disproportionate to you but I've been in many positions where I've witnessed abuse of authority, whether in Britain, mainland Europe or elsewhere, and I don't intend to put either myself, my friends or my business colleagues in danger of that knowingly if it can possibly be avoided. Especially when it involved countries where the dispensation of justice is, at best, random.

Whilst I must emphasise that I've only ever had good experiences with Qatar, it only takes a rogue captain or two or other heavy-handedness from dysfunctional crew members to play havoc with an airline's reputation.

I therefore reiterate that I would like reassurance from the airline that either this matter has been dealt with and how they did so, or else evidence that the entire story was a complete fabrication by Le Monde newspaper - and in which case why hasn't Qatar sued them? Until then, we shall avoid travelling on QA.

xmastree I understand your worries but...


It may seem disproportionate to you but I've been in many positions where I've witnessed abuse of authority, whether in Britain, mainland Europe or elsewhere, and I don't intend to put either myself, my friends or my business colleagues in danger of that knowingly if it can possibly be avoided.


Given you have also seen this "abuse of authority" in Britain, mainland Europe & elsewhere I assume you're avoiding all these countries (in addition to QR) until you receive assurances from their governing bodies it won't happen again? Sorry, but yes, I do believe you're being disproportionate. Many very high standard airlines come from "countries where the dispensation of justice is, at best, random", Qatar is not alone in that respect.

Finally, taking one part of the story, from what I could find there have been no reports of QR Captains being disciplined for drinking on board, either by QR or the FAA. I would have expected to see this as a follow up, especially from Le Monde? I'm no QR apologist by the way, happy to be corrected on the above.

As with all airlines, you pays your money & takes your choice...

3 OT comments removed. Lets keep the discussion on topic.

Regards Oliver2002
Senior Mod

"Incidents involving insults or obscene language/gestures often result in arrest, overnight imprisonment and/or fines whether the incident occurs between private parties or involves officers of the law. Insulting someone in public is considered a punishable offense."

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1003.html

"Modern Slavery: The Plight of Foreign Workers in Qatar"

Read more: http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/303006#ixzz22KjahDgb

These types of abuse are common place in Qatar and I doubt the Qataris even know about it--media is controlled there and workers can only leave with an exit visa after they have been cleared by their employers.

I don't know if this specific incident is accurate, but it is certainly plausible.

"Incidents involving insults or obscene language/gestures often result in arrest, overnight imprisonment and/or fines whether the incident occurs between private parties or involves officers of the law. Insulting someone in public is considered a punishable offense."

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1003.html

"Modern Slavery: The Plight of Foreign Workers in Qatar"

Read more: http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/303006#ixzz22KjahDgb

These types of abuse are common place in Qatar and I doubt the Qataris even know about it--media is controlled there and workers can only leave with an exit visa after they have been cleared by their employers.

I don't know if this specific incident is accurate, but it is certainly plausible.

This appears to be nothing more than an attack on the state of Qatar, precious little to do with QR Privilege Club. MODs, please get this sorted.

MODs, please get this sorted.

Alright:

3 OT comments removed. Lets keep the discussion on topic.

Regards Oliver2002


Since four more off-topic and/or personal attacks have had to be deleted, this thread is now closed.

Further such posts WILL entail a vacation from FlyerTalk.

cblaisd
Senior Moderator