FC Barcelona warn LGBTQ+ supporters of ‘severe penalties’ in Saudi Arabia
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FC Barcelona has issued a warning to its supporters, particularly LGBTQ+ fans, who plan on travelling to Saudi Arabia for the Spanish Super Cup. The football club has advised fans to be “especially cautious” and to strictly respect the country’s customs and ways. The warning comes as Barcelona prepares to compete in the 2024 Super Cup against Osasuna.
In a list of recommendations posted on the official FC Barcelona website, the club highlights the severe penalties that can be imposed in Saudi Arabia for actions like buying, selling, or consuming alcohol or pork, or participating in political rallies and demonstrations. The club also urges visitors to be respectful and prudent when it comes to public displays of affection, as any “indecent behavior” can lead to severe legal consequences for foreigners.
Of particular concern is the warning against displays of same-sex relations or open support for LGBTQI causes, even on social media. Homosexuality is illegal in Saudi Arabia, and those found guilty of engaging in same-sex acts can face the death penalty. FC Barcelona emphasizes that foreigners will be subjected to severe penalties if they engage in such behavior.
If a visitor finds themselves in an incident involving the police, FC Barcelona advises them to contact their embassy through the emergency hotline. However, these safety recommendations have been criticized by Human Rights Watch for the lack of information regarding risks for women fans. Minky Worden, the director of global initiatives at Human Rights Watch, argues that the recommendations assume that women fans do not exist or have the same needs as male fans.
Worden also points out that there is no mention of the risks in terms of information security or the dangers posed by the Saudi guardianship system, which presents risks to women. Furthermore, Saudi Arabia has banned human rights organizations from operating on their soil, making it impossible to fully assess the risks involved in visiting.
The lack of a human rights framework for fans, players, journalists, and anyone else traveling to Saudi Arabia for a sporting event is a major concern. Worden emphasizes the need for due diligence to establish the risks people might face. She argues that simply advising fans not to be gay is not sufficient, as it fails to address the broader human rights issues at stake.
Despite the risks facing foreign visitors, particularly women and LGBTQ+ individuals, Saudi Arabia is successfully boosting tourism through its investment in global sporting events. Last year, FIFA confirmed that Saudi Arabia was the sole bidder for the 2034 World Cup, despite its poor human rights record.
The warning from FC Barcelona serves as a reminder that there is a pressing need for a comprehensive human rights framework to ensure the safety and well-being of fans, players, journalists, and other individuals traveling to Saudi Arabia for sporting events. It is essential to conduct thorough due diligence to fully assess the risks involved and to address the human rights issues that may arise.
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