Qatar security criticized for disrupting news report at World Cup

Robert Besser
19 Nov 2022, 22:46 GMT+10

Qatar's Supreme Committee has apologized to a Danish film crew, who were threatened by security staff while broadcasting in the capital, Doha, for the 2022 World Cup
During a live broadcast next to the newly-opened Chedi Hotel at Katara Cultural Village, TV2 reporter Rasmus Tantholdt was approached by security staff who appeared while traveling on a golf cart
The footage, which went viral on social media, showed Tantholdt remonstrating with the security officials and displaying his accreditation

DOHA, Qatar: Qatar's Supreme Committee has apologized to a Danish film crew, who were threatened by security staff while broadcasting in the capital, Doha, for the 2022 World Cup.

During a live broadcast next to the newly-opened Chedi Hotel at Katara Cultural Village, TV2 reporter Rasmus Tantholdt was approached by security staff who appeared while traveling on a golf cart.

The footage, which went viral on social media, showed Tantholdt remonstrating with the security officials and displaying his accreditation.

In a statement, the Supreme Committee said the Danish broadcast crew were "mistakenly interrupted" during a live broadcast.

"Upon inspection of the crew's valid tournament accreditation and filming permit, an apology was made to the broadcaster by on-site security before the crew resumed their activity. Tournament organizers have since spoken to the journalist and issued an advisory to all entities to respect the filming permits in place for the tournament," the statement said.

Tantholdt was also caught on camera asking, "You invited the whole world here. Why can't we film?"

The decision to award Qatar hosting rights for the 2022 World Cup has caused controversy, including allegations of corruption and human rights violations.

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