French-Algerian consultant Tayeb Benabderrahmane—dubbed “the mosquito” by Libération for repeatedly stinging Qatar with revelations—has scored a major point in his legal battle. The UN Human Rights Council issued an opinion condemning Qatar’s treatment of him, a decision his lawyers say exposes both Doha’s violations of international law and France’s failure to protect its citizen.
Benabderrahmane claims he was arbitrarily detained and subjected to inhumane treatment in Qatar, while French authorities refused to intervene or assist him in seeking justice. His legal team—lawyers Ramaël, Ruiz and Vidal—hailed the UN ruling as a turning point that could reshape ongoing proceedings in France and before international courts.
The consultant has filed a case against Qatar before the World Bank’s arbitration tribunal (ICSID) and continues to pursue a criminal complaint in Paris for unlawful detention. In July 2023, French investigators even raided properties linked to Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi.
With the PSG boss now basking in European football glory, observers question whether the summer of 2025 will prove equally turbulent off the pitch, as the UN decision adds weight to Benabderrahmane’s claims and intensifies legal pressure on Qatar.
TunisianMonitorOnline
