The Qatari government recruited hundreds of people to provide security for the upcoming World Cup. Among the civilians recruited are apparently diplomats who were abroad. Reuters reported that most of those called up serve at military-style checkpoints near World Cup stadiums.
These civilians are being trained to manage lines of people entering stadiums, patting down fans and confiscating illegal items. Alcohol and drugs are a point of concern. However, larger security risks such as weapons will be a focal point for the security team.
The aforementioned report states that these individuals have training materials on how to find concealed weapons on a person. This includes checking ponytails, jacket linings, and even fake stomachs.
Qatar safety at the World Cup
Qatar currently has a population of around 2.8 million. Supposedly, only about 380,000 of these people are actual Qatari citizens. The Middle Eastern country expects around 1.2 million visitors for the tournaments. Turkey, though not necessarily a neighboring country, is apparently providing Qatar with 3,000 riot police.
Those who were asked to report for duty were ordered to begin their service earlier this month. They attended the national service camp outside Doha earlier this month. Doha is the capital of Qatar and the main area of ​​the World Cup.
According to reports, most of the people who attended the initial training did so out of fear. Civilians were told that they had a “patriotic duty” to help their country. “Most people are there because they have to be, they don’t want to get in trouble,” the report’s source said.
However, there are also reportedly volunteers helping with security efforts.
In a statement on the situation, a Qatari government official said this was all part of normal protocol. “Recruits will provide additional support during the tournament as part of the regular program, just as they do every year at major public events such as National Day celebrations,” the statement read.
PHOTO: IMAGO / Action Images
