VIDEO: Qatar Officials Try to Smash Journalists’ Camera as Media Tries to Record on the Streets for FIFA World Cup 22

Qatar FIFA Worldcup is just around the corner and things already start to get heated up. Many feel that due to cultural influences and stricter laws in the country, it will be very hard for tourists to fully enjoy the event. These speculations recently started to turn out to be true when a Duch journalist was threatened by the security team. 

In a video, multiple security personnel can clearly be seen interrupting the live report that Duch journalist Rasmus Tantholdt was covering for the Duch News outlet TV2 NYHEDERNE in Doha.

They threatened to break the camera!

In the video, the journalist was covering a report just ahead of a roundabout with football-themed decorations. The security team seam to pull up with the intention of stopping them from filming. One man then seems to block the lens of the camera, after which the argument turns aggressive.

Rasmus then said, “Mister, you invited the whole world to come here, why can’t we film? It’s a public place.” He then show his credentials to one of them, after which the guy threatened to break the camera.

Read More: Soccer and F1 Worlds Collide as Sergio Perez Shocks F1 Fans With a Rare Collab With ‘Original’ Ronaldo

Rasmus can be heard saying “You want to break it? Okay, break the camera. So you’re threatening us by smashing the camera.” This is where the video ends.

The aftermath of the incident!

After this clip went viral and Qatar’s administration got backlash because of the security team’s the conduct. Many people were questioning the logic and feasibility of organizing an event like the FIFA World Cup in a country like Qatar, where laws are strict, from the very announcement of it more than 8 years ago. 

Apart from regular misconduct with journalists, many people are pointing to the human rights violations allegations and the country’s stand on LGBTQ+ Community. The Qatar Supreme Committee has, however, apologized to Rasmus Tantholdt and TV2 NYHEDERNE according to his tweet. 

Watch this story: Tiger woods once portrayed his intense competitive nature even while playing soccer with his kids

Speculations are all-time high when it comes to the ability of Qatar to host the FIFA WorldCup 2022. This incident couldn’t have surfaced at the worst time possible. With the event less than a couple of days away, journalists across the globe speculate that the worse is yet to come.

What do you think about the incident?