This archive report was first published on 18 August 2021.
On August 18, 2021, Malcolm Bidali, a Kenyan migrant worker and activist, was detained in Qatar on allegations of violating security laws.
According to reports, Bidali was arrested on May 4, 2021, after giving a presentation to a gathering of trade unions and civil rights groups.
Using the pseudonym Noah, Bidali had been writing for Migrant-Rights.Org, detailing the plight of many foreign workers in Qatar as the country prepares for the 2022 World Cup.
Qatari authorities charged Bidali, 28, with offences related to "payments received by a foreign agent for the creation and distribution of disinformation".
After nearly three weeks in custody, Bidali was released, but the charges against him remained.
During his detention, Bidali was reportedly held in solitary confinement for 23 hours a day and had no access to legal representation.
