MANILA (UPDATED) — Several Filipinos have been arrested and detained in Qatar for holding suspected unauthorized political demonstrations, the Philippine embassy in Qatar confirmed on Friday.

In a statement, the embassy said it is aware that some Filipinos have been arrested and detained Friday for suspected unauthorized political demonstrations.

The embassy added it has already contacted local authorities for provision of necessary consular assistance to the said Filipinos.

The embassy earlier advised Filipinos in the Arab country to "respect local laws and customs related to mass demonstrations and expressions of political grievances."

Washington DC think tank Freedom House, which measures political rights and civil liberties, considers Qatar "not free", where public assemblies are subject to permits from the Interior Ministry.

These permits are rarely granted and non-citizens do not have freedom of assembly.

"At least 60 migrant workers were detained and deported after participating in a protest against their employer" in 2022, Freedom House also notes.

The Philippine Embassy did not provide information if the said political demonstrations are related to the birthday celebration of former President Rodrigo Duterte, who is detained in the Netherlands on crimes against humanity charges at the International Criminal Court. 

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