'DON'T watch it!' - LGBT activist Peter Tatchell calls on public to BOYCOTT Qatar World Cup
Peter Tatchell called on the public to boycott the World Cup outside the Qatar embassy in London.
James Manning
Campaigner Peter Tatchell has called on the public to boycott the World Cup.
Standing at a protest outside the Qatari embassy on Saturday, Mr Tatchell said: “It is really important that wherever possible we boycott the World Cup. Don’t watch it, don’t support it.
“But I understand that football fans feel very passionate, so OK, watch your games, but please use social media to amplify human rights abuses in Qatar and to support those very brave Qataris striving for democracy and human rights.”
He said that human rights campaigners in Qatar had told him that they want the protests to shine a light on the country’s regime.
Peter Tatchell says there are some in Qatar who want human rights abuses to be highlighted.
James Manning
“I have been speaking with human rights defenders in Qatar and in exile, mostly LGBT, women, and labour rights activists,” he said. “They all say they want protests to shine a light on the tyranny of the regime, and to support their struggle for freedom.
“They want protests, because they know the power of publicity is what the Qatar regime really fears.”