Last Chance to Ensure Fair Trial for FIFA Whistleblower

Qatari Justice System Under Further Scrutiny After Flawed Appeal Court Judgment

Ibhais was convicted on charges of “bribery,” “violation of the integrity of tenders and profits,” and “intentional damage to public funds.” The charges against Ibhais and two other defendants — his brother, who lives in Turkey, and another man believed to be a Saudi citizen — relate to a Supreme Committee tender for social media services.

Ibhais’ lawyer also asked the appeal court to review the evidence that the Supreme Committee claims exists as proof of Ibhais’ wrongdoing — voice notes, video recordings, and WhatsApp messages between Ibhais and other defendants in the trial.

Ibhais previously was Arabic-language media manager for Qatar’s 2022 FIFA World Cup organizers, the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy. Before Qatari authorities detained him in December, he told Human Rights Watch and FairSquare that he believes the case against him was in retaliation for his criticism of the handling of a migrant workers’ strike in Qatar in August 2019.