**Mexican Citizen Manuel Guerrero Freed; Leaves Qatar and Heads to Mexico City**
**by Carlos Álvarez Acevedo**
Manuel Guerrero Aviña, a Mexican national, has been released from custody in Qatar and has traveled to Mexico City after being detained for over six months. Guerrero, who is also a British citizen, was held and allegedly tortured by Qatari authorities due to his homosexuality and HIV status, according to his defense committee.
A statement from Guerrero Aviña’s defense committee, published on X (formerly known as Twitter), announced his departure from Qatar and his journey to London before heading to Mexico City.
“Manuel is finally free from the oppressive and homophobic state of Qatar,” the committee stated, adding that he will be in London for medical treatment due to the health impacts of the alleged torture he endured. “Manuel flies free and dignified to London, away from the Qatari dictatorship that tortured and criminalized him for being gay and living with HIV,” continued the organization. The committee remains resolute in continuing the fight for justice for Guerrero and all individuals in similar situations, emphasizing that “being gay is not a crime and human rights must be upheld.”
The Qatari government claimed that Guerrero was found in possession of drugs, a charge his defense denies, stating it was a pretext to incriminate him based on his sexual orientation and HIV status.
Guerrero was arrested on February 4, 2024, in Qatar after arranging a meeting via an LGBT+ dating app. His family claimed this was a sting operation by Qatari agents who detained him upon arrival. They accused the authorities of arbitrary detention driven by his sexual orientation, along with physical and psychological abuse, including threats of flogging.
Guerrero’s family reported that he was held in prison for nearly a month, during which he signed documents without knowing their content, lacked access to water for over a day, and was frequently denied his HIV medication.
By March 2024, Qatari authorities granted him provisional freedom, allowing him to remain outside of prison while continuing his legal process. In June 2024, a Qatari court found him guilty of “possession and consumption of methamphetamines,” imposing a six-month suspended sentence, a fine of 10,000 Qatari riyals (approximately 50,000 Mexican pesos), and his deportation.
The Mexican Foreign Ministry confirmed on August 12, 2024, that it assisted Guerrero Aviña on his journey to London, with plans for him to travel to Mexico City following medical examinations. Diplomatic staff from the Mexican and UK embassies accompanied him at the Hamad International Airport in Doha.
**Additional Coverage:**
**Calls for International Reform Following Guerrero’s Detention**
International human rights organizations are amplifying calls for legal reforms in Middle Eastern countries following the case of Manuel Guerrero Aviña. Advocates emphasize the need for protective measures for LGBTQ+ individuals and people living with HIV to prevent discrimination and abuse.
Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have been vocal in their condemnation of Guerrero’s treatment, urging the global community to apply pressure on Qatar to improve its human rights record. “Manuel’s ordeal is a stark reminder of the urgent need to combat institutionalized homophobia and safeguard human rights,” stated a representative from Human Rights Watch.
In response to the growing international pressure, several governments have initiated dialogues concerning the protection of human rights within their jurisdictions, specifically addressing issues faced by marginalized groups.
Stay tuned for updates on TJGringo.com as this story and related human rights discussions continue to develop.