Doha: An NRK (Norwegian broadcaster) crew were taken into custody in the early hours of 22 November for trespassing on private property and filming without a permit. The authorities arrested the crew after responding to a complaint made by the owner of the private property on which the crew had illegally accessed, Government Communication Office (GCO) said in a statement released today.
“The crew were released without charge early on 23 November after completing the necessary legal procedures. The Norwegian embassy and NRK executives were updated on the situation as it progressed,” GCO added.
Media reports said they were in Qatar to report on preparations for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
“As in almost every country, trespassing is against Qatari law, which the crew members were fully aware of before entering the property. The crew were given access to film wherever they wanted in Qatar.
“They were provided with all the filming permits they had requested prior to their arrival and were offered meetings with senior government and third-party officials. These freedoms, however, do not override the rule of law, which the crew knowingly and willfully violated. As a result of these violations, the crew were temporarily detained, GCO statement added.
The crew is now back in Norway. They had tried to film at locations without taking prior permission.
