Qatar 2022 World Cup Authority Apologizes After Danish Journalist Threatened by Officials

Illustration of the World Cup (Instagram @go.qatar.2022)

JAKARTA - The Qatar 2022 World Cup authorities issued their apology after Danish journalists received threats from security forces while carrying out their reporting duties.

The video of the threat against the Danish reporter and television crew yesterday went viral on social media. The footage shows security forces threatening to destroy their cameras.

Ironically, the organizers of the Qatar World Cup called the whole matter a mistake made by security personnel. The Supreme Committee on Shipping and Inheritance explained it was simply a misunderstanding between the officers and the television crew.

"After checking the tournament's accreditation and the crew's valid shooting permit, an apology from the security side was conveyed to the broadcaster at the scene before the crew resumed their activities", explained organizers quoted by Marca, Thursday, November 17, 2022.

This violence befell a Danish TV2 reporter named Rasmus Tantholdt. He was interrupted by an officer while carrying out his reporting duty next to the newly opened Chedi Hotel in Katara Cultural Village.

Tantholdt was seen protesting after receiving the unpleasant treatment. He then issued a letter of assignment and informed the officers that they had the right to cover and take pictures anywhere in a public space.

When the incident Tantholdt was broadcasting live before security forces appeared behind him. The confrontation between them had escalated before security officers threatened to destroy the crew's equipment.

"We have received apologies from the Qatar International Media Office and the Qatar Supreme Committee. Apart from the apology, he has the right to ask: 'Will that happen to other media too?'

Qatar, which will host the 2022 World Cup from November 20 to December 18, continues to be in the spotlight on LGBT issues and the rights of migrant workers. Some parties even boycotted the four-year event on the pretext of the issue.