Manuel Guerrero’s case highlights the need for global action on LGBT+ rights

By Joe Parry

Last week Manuel Guerrero’s appeal in Qatar was rejected and his initial verdict was upheld. Manuel – who holds joint British and Mexican nationality - was convicted of drug offences and was handed a six-month suspended sentence, despite maintaining the drugs were planted after he was arrested in a sting specifically targeting gay men.

This is an extremely disappointing result, but one that is not wholly unexpected given the unfair and unjust treatment Manuel has been subjected to since his arrest.

National AIDS Trust first became aware of Manuel’s case following news reports after his arrest. Manuel was arrested after meeting someone who he spoke to on Grindr and Tinder who turned out to be a police officer. While in prison, Manuel’s HIV medication was withheld, putting his health at serious risk. Manuel also said he was put in isolation because of his HIV status and was forced to watch other prisoners being whipped as a form of torture to try and make him divulge the names of other gay men in Qatar. These are just some of the reported abuses in a catalogue of offences reported by Manuel.

According to?Human Rights Watch ,?police in several Middle East and North African countries are known to have used fake profiles on LGBT+ friendly dating apps to entrap and arrest people. In 2022,?activists reported? that security officials arbitrarily arrested, tortured and mistreated six people in Qatar because of their sexual orientation.

Alongside other human rights organisations, including FairSquare and Amnesty International, we have consistently highlighted the human rights abuses Manuel faced while in prison. The withholding of vital HIV medication alone was needlessly cruel and detrimental to his health, while the anxiety and stress this will have put on Manuel is abundantly clear.

The outcome of the trial is a crushing disappointment, and we all stand in solidarity with Manuel, his family, and all LGBT+ people who have faced similar situations in Qatar because of their sexual orientation. While our focus has been on Manuel and his case, we must not forget the people living in the 64 countries worldwide where it is illegal to be gay. Where laws like this persist, it allows for further policies that demonise LGBT+ people to be introduced in any country, and strong stances from Governments are vital to combat rising attacks on LGBT+ rights.

Since working with Manuel and his family, I have been consistently inspired by their bravery and integrity. Despite being subjected to further unjust and unfair experiences throughout his trial, he courageously continued to advocate for his own innocence and appeal the verdict. Standing alongside Manuel’s brother Enrique and over 50 supporters outside the Foreign Office to call on our Government to intervene was a powerful symbol of solidarity and something I won’t forget. Hundreds more have used their voice to raise awareness and express their support, including journalists and Parliamentarians, helping Manuel and his family know they are not alone.

Though the outcome of the trial is not what any of us were hoping for, it has shown the best in the LGBT+ and HIV communities in the UK, Mexico and beyond, who have shared their outrage at Manuel’s treatment. Against a rising tide of LGBT+ hatred across the globe, activists are continuing to do as they always have, and demand fair and equitable treatment. Their voices are needed now more than ever. We urgently call on the Government to expedite Manuel’s safe return to the UK, where he can begin the journey of rebuilding his life after this horrific ordeal. Our commitment to advocating for the safety and dignity of all individuals persecuted for their sexual orientation or HIV status remains unwavering. Together, we will continue to fight for a world where being LGBT+ or living with HIV is not criminalized or stigmatised.