[ad_1]
Australia today condemned the Qatari authorities’ treatment of female passengers on a flight to Sydney who were subjected to internal examinations after a newborn baby was found abandoned at a Doha airport.
A traveler with his luggage at an airport. Source: istock.com
The women, including 13 Australians, were examined at Hamad International Airport on October 2 after Qatar Airways flight QR908 to Sydney was delayed.
The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade described the treatment of women as offensive, extremely inappropriate and outside the circumstances in which they could give their free and informed consent.
“The Australian government is deeply concerned about the unacceptable treatment of some female passengers,” said a statement from the department.
“The government has formally registered our serious concerns about this incident with the Qatari authorities. The Department of Foreign Relations and Trade is involved in this matter through diplomatic channels, ”the statement added.
Management at Hamad International Airport said the baby was safe and was being cared for by medical and social workers.
Medical professionals were concerned for the mother’s health after the baby was found and requested to be located, the airport said in a statement.
“People who had access to a specific area of the airport where the newborn was found were asked to help with the consultation,” the statement added.
The women were examined in an ambulance parked on the runway, Seven Network News reported.
Wolfgang Babeck, who was returning home to Australia on the flight, said the women were removed from the plane regardless of their age.
“When the women returned, many of them or probably all of them were upset. One of them was crying, a younger woman, and people couldn’t believe what had happened, “Babeck told ABC.
“They told me they had to take off their underwear or bottoms and then it was inspected if they had given birth,” Babeck added.
The passengers went into hotel quarantine for 14 days upon arrival in Sydney.
State-owned Qatar Airways told Guardian Australia that none of the passengers on the flight had contacted her and said she could not comment.
“We appreciate the concerns and anguish expressed to you by the Australian passengers you have spoken with and will investigate these matters with the relevant authorities and officials,” a spokeswoman said.
