HUMAN rights organisations have called on the Qatari authorities to release details of the whereabouts of a Kenyan national who was forcibly disappeared days after speaking out about workers’ rights.

Malcolm Bidali, who has been living in the Gulf state for three years, was reportedly taken from his accommodation by state security services on May 4, a week after he gave a presentation to a large group of civil society organisations and trade unions about his experience of working in Qatar.

The security guard and blogger has been outspoken about the treatment of migrant workers in Qatar and has written about his experiences for a number of online platforms.

A coalition of organisations working on the rights of migrant workers in Qatar — Migrant-Rights.org, FairSquare, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and Business & Human Rights Resource Centre — have written to the Qatari authorities raising concerns over the safety of Mr Bidali.

They were told last week that the Kenyan had been detained and was under investigation for violating Qatar’s security laws, but did not disclose his whereabouts.

The organisations said that “Malcolm has been on the frontline of the fight to reform Qatar’s labour laws, including by writing about his experiences as a migrant worker in the country,” fearing he had been targeted for his legitimate human rights work.

“We urge the authorities to disclose Malcolm’s whereabouts, and ensure he is protected from torture and other ill-treatment. 

“Further, they must outline any internationally recognisable offence against him and ensure his right to due process is fully respected, including ensuring he has legal assistance,” a statement said.

“If Malcolm is detained solely for peacefully exercising his right to freedom of expression, he must be released immediately and unconditionally.”