Qatar’s Supreme Court has confirmed the recent acquittal of Qatari Baha’i dignitary, Remy Rowhani, in a historic decision demonstrating the independence of its judiciary and asserting the importance of religious coexistence and freedom of conscience.

“Baha’is around the world have profound respect for the religion of Islam and Muslims, seek to strengthen the moral foundations of society, and aim to contribute with others in advancing amity and fellowship,” said Saba Haddad, Representative of the Baha’i International Community to the United Nations in Geneva. “Justice has prevailed and the five year prison sentence against a seventy year old man has been overturned. The Supreme Court’s decision confirms the Court of Appeal’s finding that Remy Rowhani is innocent.”

The Court’s 30 September ruling affirmed that what was published on the Qatari Baha’i community’s X account was “devoid of anything offensive to the Islamic religion,” contained “no ideas conflicting with Islamic Sharia” and that his social media posts were protected by the laws governing freedom of expression.

The Court reiterated that Qatari Constitutional provisions guaranteed “freedom of belief and thought” and safeguarded the rights of non-Muslims to their beliefs and concluded that there is “no contradiction between the right to freedom of religion or belief and the right to freedom of opinion and expression.”

The Court also cited verses from the Holy Quran affirming these freedoms—“There shall be no compulsion in religion” (2:256)—and declared that religious diversity among humankind is “a matter willed by God.” 

“Such an enlightened application of the rule of law, and the upholding of freedoms for all, show that justice has been served,” said Dr. Haddad. “We are glad that His Highness the Emir, the Supreme Court, and the Court of Appeal, have restored Mr. Rowhani’s freedom in the land of his birth and have stood up for the human rights of every individual and community to exist in peace and respect in Qatar. We hope this will yield further positive fruits in the years to come.”

For more information please contact

• Bani Dugal, Principal Representative, New York, [email protected], +19143293020
  (English)

• Dr. Saba Haddad, Representative, Geneva, [email protected], +41783082219
  (English & Arabic)