(MENAFN- The Peninsula) By Irfan Bukhari / The Peninsula
DOHA: Condemning the human rights violations being constantly committed by the blockading countries, Essa M. Al Sulaiti, Attorney at Law has said that the lawyers of Qatar had formed a group 'Qatar Lawyers to give legal assistance to the victims of the siege.
'Qatari law firms are standing shoulder to shoulder with the government and the people of Qatar. A group of Qatari lawyers, to fulfill their national responsibility, has formed 'Qatar Lawyers forum from where we are providing free legal assistance to the people affected by illegal sanctions imposed by three Gulf countries against Qatar, Al Sulaiti said while talking to The Peninsula.
Dynamic young Qatari lawyer said that the air, land and sea blockade imposed on Qatar was flagrant violation of human rights laws and international conventions. 'Various organizations like Qatar Airways have challenged these illegitimate sanctions and Qatar will win these cases in international courts, he said, adding that no State could impose sanctions on freedom of movement, expression, doing business, employment etc.
Al Sulaiti, Chairman Essa Al Sulaiti Law Firm, said that being citizens of the country, the lawyers of Qatar would provide every kind of legal and moral help to the people affected by the siege in one way or another. He said that the blockading countries had violated Chicago Convention 1944 by imposing air space restrictions on Qatar and had also violated WTO Convention by blocking land and sea trade routes of Qatar.
He said that even legal fraternity of the siege countries was very well aware of the illegality of blockade and had raised voice against the move immediately after imposition of blockade on Qatar. 'But then their respective governments enacted draconian laws barring them from expressing sympathy with Qatar, he said.
He said that after finding out the hackers of cyber crime committed against QNA, 'Qatar has the right and will take legal actions and sue the criminals in the local and International criminal courts. He said that imposing land, air and sea sanctions on Qatar was breach of many international laws and conventions as well as maritime rules between the GCC countries.
Al-Sulaiti said that National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) had so far received around 3000 complaints of human rights violations. 'The lawyers of Qatar are also supporting and assisting NHRC which is doing a great job during crisis. In the same manner, the lawyers are helping victims of the siege in preparing their files which they are submitting to Compensation Claims Committee, he added.
Lauding the speech of the Emir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Essa Al Sulaiti said that it resonated with the aspirations of Qatari nation. 'Whole Qatari nation stands by the Emir as Qatar and H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani are one. We also appreciate expression of solidarity by the residents with Qatar and the Emir, he said.
He said that the speech of the Emir was delivered at the right moment. 'This speech represented the citizens of Qatar and their point of view who are not ready to compromise on Qatar's sovereignty. The Emir clearly told the blockading countries that Qatar would neither take dictations nor compromise on State's sovereignty, he added.
Al-Sulaiti further said that the lawyers of Qatar were also in close contact with lawyers' associations of Asia and Europe and were apprising them about human rights violations being committed by the blockading countries.
Ultimately, Al Sulaiti said, that the siege countries would have to pay compensations to the people affected by unjust siege. 'Once the crisis is over, we will also file cases in courts of Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Bahrain for compensation and will win them, he said, adding that crisis could be settled politically but the legal cases pending in courts of law would continue till dispensation of justice to the affected parties.
He hoped that the current crisis would not stay longer. 'At the same time, the crisis has made us identify our weaknesses. Now we are moving towards diversification of economy, self-sufficiency in food products, exploration of new trade partners etc. at a higher pace. This crisis is in fact the 're-birth of Qatar, he said, adding that the crisis had also helped Qatar in recognizing its true friends in the times when the neighbours were treating it totally neglecting the religious, cultural and traditional norms attached with the word 'neighbour.
He said that the siege had not hit Qatar rather the losers in the crisis were the blockading countries. 'Qatar has found new investors and new companies have replaced the previous ones. All mega projects are going on normal pace and will be completed in stipulated time.
On the other hand, Al Sulaiti said, Qatar had not stopped gas supply to the Gulf neighbour though under 'force majeure clause it could revoke the agreements of the past. 'It is our ethics and our morality, he said, adding that Qatar's was responding to malicious propaganda attacks of the blockading countries from moral high ground which was being appreciated by the world community as well.
He said that there were some indicators showing the blockade would end in a peaceful manner and short time.
Al-Sulaiti said that Qatar's economy would continue growing and after the crisis Qatar had become a preferable market for international investors. 'Qatar will focus more on certain sectors which need to be addressed on priority. Qatar will focus on reliable suppliers and will not rely on one source. Qatar will support the 'made-in-Qatar initiatives and promote local manufacturing and production, he added.
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