Somalia representative expelled from Quran competition and deported due to Somalia neutrality over Gulf crisis.
Arab news site Middle East Eye bemoans that a competition held during Ramadan for Muslims who have memorised the Quran should be thought above politics. "Apparently not," concludes the site.
Emirati authorities Monday expelled a Somali who was taking part in the annual competition, which takes place in Dubai, after Somalia refused to break ties with Qatar in the ongoing Gulf dispute, reports MEE.
The Dubai International Holy Quran Award is given annually and is sponsored by Dubai’s government. The prize for first, second, and third place, respectively, is AED 250,000 ($68,000), AED 200,000 ($54,000) and AED 150,000 ($40,800).
Ismail Madar, considered a favourite to win, was told he couldn’t continue to compete as a representative for Somalia. Madar said he was expecting to come first or second in the competition, saying that “unfortunately they punished me”. He was allegedly given 10 minutes to leave the premises of the competition.
With a security escort, Madar was taken to the airport and deported back to Somalia.
Speaking to local media, Madar said that he felt that the decision was a result of Somalia’s position on the Gulf crisis, with tensions between Qatar and its neighbouring states remaining high.
The incident came after the UAE recalled its ambassador to Mogadishu to protest Somalia’s neutrality in the Gulf crisis.
Somalia has urged both sides to seek dialogue to resolve the dispute.
The United Arab Emirates has taken a lead in the economic blockade of Qatar, alongside Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Egypt, for its alleged support of militant groups. Qatar denies the claims.
“Since Somalia declared its position to not side with Saudi and the UAE against Qatar, there was suspicion against Somalis,” Madar told local media.
“When the media reported the Qatari delegation visited Mogadishu, UAE officials told us to leave the competition,” said the singer.-(Artuz Sheba)