Boycott of the World Cup in Qatar: No public viewing in French cities

As of: 10/01/2022 4:21 p.m

Several French cities do not want to broadcast the World Cup matches in Qatar on big screens. The reason is the poor human rights situation in the country. One cannot ignore the warnings from human rights activists.

In France, several major cities have decided against public viewing during the World Cup in Qatar. They are reacting to the poor human rights situation in the Arab country.

Lille City Council unanimously adopted a statement condemning the hosting of the World Cup in Qatar from November 20 to December 18 as nonsensical in terms of human rights, environment and sport, the mayor of the northern French city said , Martine Aubry, with. “We will not broadcast a single game on big screens.”

“Not to ignore warnings from NGOs”

The eastern French cities of Strasbourg and Reims have already decided in the same way, the France Info broadcaster reported. “It is impossible for us to ignore the numerous warnings from NGOs that denounce the abuse and exploitation of guest workers,” said Strasbourg Mayor Jeanne Barseghian, explaining the decision against public viewing events.

The mayor of Reims, Arnould Robinet, referred to the “controversial” nature of the World Cup, but also to the energy costs of a big screen “at a time when public authorities are asking both our fellow citizens and our administrations to reduce their energy consumption “.

Fatal accidents on World Cup construction sites

Before the World Cup, Qatar has long been criticized for human rights violations and the treatment of workers from other countries. In the past there had also been fatal accidents on the World Cup construction sites. The emirate’s government refers to its own reforms and rejects some of the criticism.

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