Qatar Villaggio nursery fire: justice elusive for victims
Qatar’s Ambassador to the European Union, Belgium and Luxembourg…and his wife…are facing criminal proceedings in Qatar over the…lack of fire safety and protection at the nursery, which they owned. Despite court orders, Ambassador Al Thani and Mrs Kawari have failed to appear at several trial hearings…, causing lengthy delays in the trial…The charges against…[them] allege that “by their error, they caused the deaths… by not taking into account the laws and regulations … without providing the means of safety and security against fire”. They are also accused of running a nursery facility without the approval of the…government authorities and without adhering to public health and safety conditions”. Five others, including mall management and one government official, are also facing charges…The delay in criminal proceedings has also meant that civil action for damages…cannot move forward…[Also refers to Villaggio Mall]