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This handout graphic provided by Flight Radar shows how Qatar Airways flights are managing bans on flights through the airspace of Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, UAE, & Egypt, by flying over Iranian airspace. — AP[/caption]
DUBAI — The United Arab Emirates (UAE) tightened the squeeze on Qatar on Wednesday threatening anyone publishing expressions of sympathy toward it with up to 15 years in prison, and barring Qatari passport or resident visa holders entry.
More moves against Qatar, including further curbs on business, remain on the table, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Gargash said.
“Strict and firm action will be taken against anyone who shows sympathy or any form of bias toward Qatar, or against anyone who objects to the position of the United Arab Emirates, whether it be through the means of social media, or any type of written, visual or verbal form,” Gulf News quoted UAE Attorney-General Hamad Saif Al-Shamsi as saying.
On top of a possible jail term, offenders could also be hit with a fine of at least 500,000 UAE dirhams, the newspaper said, citing a statement to Arabic-language media.
The UAE’s state-owned Etihad Airways, meanwhile, said all travelers holding Qatari passports were currently prohibited from travelling to or transiting through the emirates.
Foreigners residing in Qatar and in possession of a Qatari residence visa would also not be eligible for visa on arrival in the UAE, Etihad spokesman said in an email.
“This ruling applies to all airlines flying into the UAE,” the spokesman said in the statement.
Qatari nationals will not be allowed to board Qantas flights to Dubai, an executive at the Australian airline has said.
“UAE have banned Qatari nationals from transiting through UAE, so we’re looking to see if that affects any passengers,” Qantas Airways Ltd International Chief Executive Gareth Evans said.
Emirates is a codeshare partner of Qantas. — Agencies
