Transiting passenger jailed, fined for being intoxicated at HIA
A Doha Criminal Court has sentenced a passenger transiting through Hamad International Airport to three months in jail and imposed a fine of QR3,500 on him for being intoxicated and smoking in an undesignated area.
According to local Arabic daily Arrayah, an employee at the airport saw the man smoking in an undesignated area and also found him in an "unstable" state. Accordingly, the defendant was arrested.
During police investigation, he admitted to having smoked in the area mentioned above, claiming that he did not know that smoking was banned there. He, however, denied being intoxicated.
A blood test, though, proved that the man had consumed alcohol and images captured by surveillance cameras proved that he had smoked in an undesignated area, which led the court to convict him.
Courtesy: gulf-times.com
Yes, Majeed, It does seem severe as its easy to buy alcohol in airport lounges even in Muslim countries. Airports are like an international space with a different culture to the host country as they are full of international travellers.
I don't think someone can get drunk on a plane because the flight crew will serve two drinks maximum, but if this person had been drinking for a while before he got on, he might have managed to get one or two more drinks in.
So shouldnt it be the flight cabin crew who should be questioned :S
Also three months jail seems a bit severe....
zackm: Unfortunately, it is not easy to enforce. Have seen too may drunks on flights
Yes, it could have been served on the plane, but there is a protocol advised to all cabin services staff not to serve too much alcohol to the passenger if they see signs of intoxication or drunkenness.
Question: If the guy was intoxicated (bloody test showed alcohol) ... isnt it served aboard planes?
some people never learn, we are coming as guest to this country, we should always respect our hosts and their ways.
Please also stop smoking in public places.
Others have more problems to get a permit to stay in Qatar. Joys to him for getting a three month tourist visa!
We support the men and women on duty at the Airport
Go no sympathy for him.. Well done to the authorities