Guidance

Information pack for British nationals arrested or detained in Qatar

Updated 17 January 2023

Chapter 1: Key points

Overview

If you are a British national, and are arrested or detained in another country, consular staff will do what they can to help you. However, we cannot interfere with the local justice system, get you out of jail, or pay for services such as a lawyer. Information about who we can help, including the circumstances in which we can assist dual nationals, is available at: Support for British nationals abroad. You can also request a paper copy from consular staff.

This information pack aims to give you, and your family and friends, information about the local system in Qatar and who can help. Consular staff can provide a printed copy to those in prison or in custody. We welcome feedback to help us improve the information we can provide to others. Learn more about giving feedback.

Contacting us

If you are arrested or detained in another country:

• the authorities should ask whether you want them to contact the British embassy, high commission or consulate (and must do so if you want them to)
• if they do not ask, you can make the request yourself. You should do this if you are charged with a serious offence or need any kind of assistance
• friends or family can also contact the local British embassy, high commission or consulate or the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) in London on +44 (0)20 7008 5000

In some countries, the authorities might notify the British embassy, high commission or consulate even if you do not want anyone to know that you have been arrested. This is because there may be an agreement in place with the British government which requires a mandatory notification to be made.

Who we are

Consular staff work in the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office in the UK, and in British embassies, high commissions and consulates overseas.

British Embassy
PO Box 3
Doha
Qatar
+974 4496 2000 (select option 2 for Consular services)
Office Hours: Sunday to Wednesday, 08:00 to 15:30 (local time), Thursday 8:00 to 13:30 (local time)

You can also contact us by phone 24/7 for help or advice from anywhere in the world by calling the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office on +44 (0)20 7008 5000.

What we can do

The FCDO can offer you impartial and non-judgemental help. When we are notified of your arrest or detention, we will aim to contact you as soon as possible, so that we can assess how we can help you. We then aim to provide assistance according to your individual circumstances and local conditions. Our priority is to provide assistance to those British nationals overseas that need our help the most.

In Qatar, notification by the authorities to the embassy normally takes place within a few days after arrest.

We can also:

• provide a list of local English-speaking lawyers and interpreters
• provide general information about the country, detention conditions, and the local legal system (including if legal aid is available)
• provide general information about the local prison or remand system, including visiting arrangements, mail and censorship, privileges, and welfare services
• keep in regular contact with you, either by visiting or by telephone/letter. The frequency of contact will depend on local conditions and your personal circumstances
• tell the police or prison doctor, with your permission, about any medical or dental problems including medication
• put you, or your family, in touch with a prisoners’ welfare charity called Prisoners Abroad
• in some circumstances we may be able to help take up complaints with the police or prison authorities about ill treatment, personal safety, or discrimination, if you are not treated in line with internationally recognised standards
• help to transfer money to you from your friends or family. In places where phone or postal services are not available we can also try to pass on messages and deliver letters to the prison (but generally we cannot arrange for delivery directly to you)

What we cannot do

• get you out of prison or detention
• help you get special treatment because you are British
• offer legal advice, start legal proceedings or investigate a crime
• pay for any costs because you have been arrested
• forward you packages sent by friends or family
• prevent authorities from deporting you after release

First steps

Informing family members

If you want us to, we can tell your family or friends that you have been detained and provide them with information about how to contact you. With your consent, we can also keep them updated on your wellbeing.

If you are not sure about informing your family, we can help you consider what the impact of not doing so might be. For example, it may cause them distress if they do not know where you are, or cannot contact you. It can also be a disadvantage to you if you need someone to send you money or act on your behalf while you are detained.

Informing the UK police

If you are accused of certain serious offences, such as sexual assault or drugs trafficking, we are obliged to share information about your arrest with UK police. Information about this may appear if a Criminal Records Bureau check were carried out by a prospective employer. There may be other circumstances when information about you may need to be shared with authorities in Qatar.

Legal assistance: lawyers

We cannot give legal advice, start legal proceedings, or investigate a crime. However, we can provide information about the local legal system, including whether a legal aid scheme is available. We can also give you a list of local interpreters and a list of local English-speaking lawyers . You should consider the benefits of local legal representation and discuss all the costs beforehand with the legal representative. We cannot pay your legal or interpretation costs in any circumstance.

Consular assistance: fair treatment

We cannot get you out of prison or detention, or get you special treatment because you are British. If you are not treated in line with internationally accepted standards, we will consider whether to approach the local authorities. This may include if your trial does not follow internationally recognised standards or is unreasonably delayed compared to local cases.

Other organisations that can provide assistance

We can put you, or your family, in touch with Prisoners Abroad, a UK charity which supports British citizens detained overseas and their families.

Chapter 2: Detention conditions in Qatar

Visits: friends and family

Who can visit and how to arrange visits

You should consult FCDO travel advice before you travel to Qatar for the latest information on safety and security, entry requirements and travel warnings.

Prison regulations state that only family members can visit inmates in prison. However, visit orders may be issued to non-family members in certain cases; you should raise this with the prison authorities. Conjugal visits may be allowed if married. Unmarried partners may be denied visiting rights.

There are likely to be separate allocated days for visits for men, women, embassies and lawyers. Everyone visiting a prison must bring ID with them.

What to expect when you visit

Visiting days and times can be quite specific depending on which facility, or indeed which section of a facility you are being held at. They may change with no notice, so you or your family should find out this information from the prison directly. Visitors will be searched as well as any items they bring for the prisoner. It is likely that a police officer will be present or nearby during the visit.

What you can take on your visit

Visitors may bring reading material for prisoners, however censorship is strict (avoid material with political or religious content, magazines and pictures). Certain comfort items such as toiletries, clean clothing and foodstuffs are occasionally permitted, however all items will be examined by prison authorities on arrival and may be refused. Acceptance of any items is at the sole discretion of the prison authorities. Check with the prison all items you wish to take in before your visit.

Visits: consular staff

Consular staff from the Embassy in Doha will keep in regular contact with prisoners, either by visiting personally or by telephone. The frequency of visits will depend on local conditions and the individual prisoner’s circumstances. Consular staff in Qatar aim to visit prisoners every six months, however this may be more frequent if there are welfare concerns. The prisoner does not need to submit a request to the prison for consular staff to visit. If a prisoner would like to request a visit, they should call the embassy.

Prisoners can write to us at any time on matters that concern them, but if it is urgent it may be quicker to ask prison authorities to contact us on their behalf.

Emergency trips outside of prison

Permission for trips outside of prison in the case of an urgent situation (e.g. funerals, illness of family) is at the sole discretion of the prison authorities. It is very unlikely that overseas travel to the UK for these would be allowed.

Police custody and initial arrival at prison

Arriving at the police station: your basic rights

When you arrive at the police station all your personal goods (phone, money, jewellery and other valuables) will be removed and held with the police until you are released. They will be kept in a box for safe keeping and all items will be documented and signed for. All medicines and toiletries should also be declared and handed to the authorities. If you require medication or medical treatment, make sure you make the officers are aware of this.

You will normally be allowed use of a police landline telephone in order to contact your lawyer, your family or the British Embassy. After this initial call your access to telephone facilities will be limited. At the time of arrest you are legally entitled to request that the British Embassy be notified. If you are not able to speak to the Embassy yourself, you may wish to ask a friend or family member to do so on your behalf. Calls should be made to 00974 4496 2000 – this number is operational 24/7.

Your statement will be taken by the police and recorded in writing in Arabic which you will be asked to sign. All investigations will be conducted in Arabic. Translators should be available to interpret and are provided free of charge, however in practice this may not always be the case. You are expected to supply your own translator if you wish to have an independent one.

Appearing at court

If you are transported from the police station to the courts you may be in handcuffs and leg chains. Female detainees may be required to wear an Abaya for court appearances.

Read more information about the Qatari judicial system in Chapter 3.

Initial arrival at the prison

You will be searched and routinely documented on arrival. You can make calls on certain allocated days. Local calls are free, however international calls are not.

If you rely on medication you should alert prison authorities and they will arrange a doctor’s appointment. Extra clothing can be brought in to the prison by visitors. Toiletries, food, water and bedding are provided by the prison authorities.

Prison: conditions and daily life

The main prison in Qatar is Central Prison. If you are remanded in custody while the Public Prosecutor makes further investigations into your case or are given a prison sentence it is highly likely that you will serve this time in Central Prison.

Upon arrival at Central Prison you will subjected to a body search and your head may be shaved (males only). All of your possessions will be taken away and stored securely. However, if you wish you can arrange for someone to collect them on your behalf at a later date. You will be issued with a uniform. All other items of clothing, such as flip flops, t-shirts, etc. can need to be purchased from the prison shop or brought in by visitors, subject to the approval of prison authorities.

Accommodation

Central Prison has both shared and single cells. All bedding is provided by the prison, as well as basic toiletries. Electricity and running water is provided. There is natural light and detainees can regularly go outside for fresh air.

Food and diet

Three meals a day are provided and the main meals usually consist of rice and meat. Fruit is provided once a day. Special dietary requirements will usually be met. You can buy food and personal supplies from the prison shop and are able to order food and other comfort items for delivery. During Ramadan, non-Muslim detainees will not be required to fast, however mealtimes may be adjusted. Clean drinking water is always available.

Hygiene

Basic toiletries are provided by the prison, and you can also buy some extra items from the prison shop e.g. preferred brands.

Work and study

You are able to work in the prison, but it is not compulsory. You should consult the prison authorities to ask what work is available, if it is paid, and how long the hours are. This will vary.

There are educational opportunities for prisoners, however these are limited and at the discretion of the prison authorities.

Contact and languages

Prison populations in Qatar are reflective of the many nationalities that live in Qatar. Contact with other inmates is not restricted. You can be placed in the same block as other English-speaking prisoners if you ask, however it is under the sole discretion of the prison authorities.

You may be allowed a certain number of outgoing calls a week as a privilege. The number of calls allowed can vary depending on the facility. Telephone cards may be purchased in the prison or brought in by friends and family. It is also possible for families to call in to speak to detainees, speak to the Prison Authorities direct as to which day(s) calls can be made as these are subject to change.

Mobile phones and internet access are not available. You can access writing and reading materials. Central Prison has a library with English books. It is well-stocked and visitors can also bring in books at the discretion of the prison authorities. You are allowed to watch television, and English speaking channels are available.

You can request local language materials through the post from Prisoners Abroad (including language textbooks and dictionaries).

Exercise

You will be permitted to go outdoors daily, during specific times. The timings will change depending on the block. There are basic exercise facilities outdoors and prisoners can engage in team sports such as football. Regular exercise is not organised by the prison authorities.

Climate

Qatar has a desert climate and is very hot and humid in the summer, from approximately May to October. Winter temperatures are mild but may fall below 10°C.

Religion

You are free to practice your religion and have the right to receive visits from a priest or minister of your faith. Prisons are not staffed by religious ministers.

During Ramadan, you are not forced to fast, however meal times will change and certain things may not be available during the normal times e.g. access to the library or access to the outdoors.

Rules and regulations (including drugs)

Prison rules and regulations are explained to you upon their arrival. If the rules are not followed, punishments may be applied. A form of punishment could be removal of privileges i.e. no time outdoors, phone calls, no access to the library for a certain amount of time. You should consider cultural sensitives.

Drugs are not prevalent in prisons, and Qatar has a zero tolerance approach to drugs.

Prison: access to help and services

Receiving money

There are 2 ways you may be able to receive financial assistance while in prison:

• private funds: deposited to you by your family or friends
• Prisoners Abroad: depending on where you are detained, if your family cannot support you financially, Prisoners Abroad may be able to send you a small grant every quarter for essentials (enough for one hot meal a day)

The UK government does not provide financial assistance to prisoners.

Private funds

While the FCDO does not provide financial assistance to prisoners, we may be able, within certain limits, to send you money from your family or friends. Note that you cannot have cash sent to you in the post.

The FCDO operates a ‘Prison Comfort’ system for money transfers to prisoners. Ask your family or friends to get in touch with the FCDO to arrange this.

We cannot receive payment by credit or debit card, or by cash.

Prisoners Abroad

Prisoners Abroad may be able to assist you with funding for prison essentials and some medical care if you are not receiving regular funding from other sources.

Medical and dental treatment

While you are detained, Qatar is responsible for ensuring your basic medical needs are met. Medical and dental treatment is provided free of charge. Any detainee with ongoing medical problems should be provided with the necessary treatment either in the prison or if required they will be transferred to a hospital. You should raise any concerns with Consular staff at the earliest opportunity, if treatment is being denied.

If you are concerned about your mental health, you should see the prison doctor and can request to see a psychiatrist. You are not able to access private healthcare while in prison.

With your permission, we can make sure that any medical or dental problems you might have are brought to the attention of any police or prison doctor. We can also contact your GP in the UK, if the police or prison doctor requests previous medical records.

Letters and parcels

Prisoners are allowed to receive letters and to send letters out of the prison. You can have letters sent directly to Central Prison at the following address:

(Name of prisoner and ward/block number)
Central Prison
Building 716
Street 470
Zone 81
PO Box: 6949
Qatar

There are rules about what you can and can’t receive. All letters and reading material are censored. This procedure means that it may be some time before they are actually given to you. Pornographic or offensive material of any kind is strictly forbidden. If you are being held at a temporary holding facility or a police station, it may not be possible to send/receive post directly. You should speak to consular staff who may be able to assist.

Telephone calls

You may be allowed a certain number of outgoing calls a week as a privilege. The number of calls allowed can vary depending on the facility. Telephone cards for international calls may be purchased in the prison or brought in by friends and family. It is also possible for families to call in to speak to detainees, speak to the prison authorities directly as to which day(s) calls can be made as these are subject to change. You are not allowed to have mobile phones and could be punished if caught with one.

Making a complaint about mistreatment

If you have been mistreated, you should inform consular staff as soon as it is safe for you to do so. We will then do our best to visit you, to check on your welfare, discuss the allegations, and explain any local complaints procedures and supportive organisations that you may wish to consider. With your permission, and where appropriate, we will consider approaching the local authorities if you have not been treated in line with internationally-accepted standards. If you have been mistreated, try to see a doctor, obtain a medical report and if possible take photos of your injuries.

Chapter 3: The Qatari judicial system

Overview

Whether travelling or living in Qatar, it is important to remember that anyone who breaks the law is subject to prosecution under the Qatari legal system, regardless of your nationality. Some Qatari laws may differ to UK law, both in terms of what is considered a criminal offence and the punishments. The judicial system in Qatar is divided into two main divisions, the Sharia (Islamic law) Courts and the Civil Law system (Adlea).

Judicial authority is vested in Courts of Law in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution and court judgments are pronounced in the name of the Amir. There is no doctrine of binding precedent under Qatari law, however in practice lower courts usually follow decisions of the Courts of Appeal when the same point of law is considered.

The Criminal Courts try capital offences against state security, property, criminal breach of trust, financial offences such as forgery, fraud, counterfeiting or cheating, and offences against the person. There are three levels of criminal court: the Court of First Instance, Court of Appeal, and Court of Cassation. The Court of First Instance hears all cases initially and passes judgement.

The Civil Courts have jurisdiction over all disputes not heard by the Sharia Courts or the Criminal Courts, in particular, commercial and labour cases. In employment disputes the Work Relations Department of the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs will look at the case first and try to assist both parties to reach a compromise. If no compromise is reached the case will be referred to the Courts.

The Sharia Courts (Family court) administer Islamic Laws. Their role is generally limited to the adjudication of disputes relating to personal status matters (such as marriages, divorce, inheritance, custody cases and child support), but they are also competent in certain criminal cases.

The FCDO cannot interfere with the judicial system. We cannot ask for your case to be judged more quickly just because you are British, or ask the authorities to waive any penalties.

First steps

What should happen after you are arrested

After you are arrested the police have the power to detain you for up to 24 hours before referring the case to the Public Prosecutor. The offices of the Public Prosecutor are open 7 days a week. The Prosecutor may order that you be released, remanded in custody to await trial, extend detention for 4 days to allow time for an investigation, or released on bail. Note that the state security service can arrest and detain you for up to 30 days without referring it to the Public Prosecutor. You should ask to speak to the British Embassy as soon as you are able to make a call.

If you have any questions on the legal aspects of your arrest, contact your lawyer. See list of local English-speaking lawyers.

How long you can be remanded in custody

Initially you may be held for a period of 4 days, which can be extended by a further 4 days by the public prosecutor, depending on the crime the individual has been accused of. In order for the detention to be extended further, an application must be made to a judge for approval to detain you for a further 30 days or permit bail. You should not be detained for a period exceeding 6 months without being charged, unless it has been confirmed that the case will be referred to the criminal court. Where an individual will be detained for an extended period of time, this detention should be reviewed every 45 days.

Prisoners on remand and sentenced prisoners: differences

Prisoners on remand will usually be held in temporary facilities, whereas sentenced prisoners will likely serve their sentence in Central Prison. Sentenced prisoners may be have more relaxed conditions and have easier access to phone calls and visits from their lawyer/family/friends.

After you are charged

If the Public Prosecutor refers the case to court a date will be set for the first hearing. There is no time limit within which the case must be heard, however most detainees generally go to trial within one month of arrest. A judge will then consider the case. It may take longer for a decision to be made in serious or complicated cases. During Ramadan and Eid holidays, hearings may be less frequent. Similarly, between July and September only a limited number of cases will be considered due to the extended summer break.

Bail

The Public Prosecutor may release you on bail, with or without conditions, while the investigation is ongoing. There is no automatic right to bail and where you are accused of crimes that attract a custodial sentence of 6 months or more, you may remain in police custody. It is not standard practice for passports to be retained but a travel ban will likely be put in place until the investigations are concluded. If your employment situation changes whilst on bail and you can no longer support yourself, it will be difficult for you to find employment whilst there is an ongoing case.

The FCDO cannot transfer bail funds.

Trial and legal assistance

Legal assistance: lawyers and legal aid

If you wish to hire a private lawyer, see our list of English-speaking lawyers. Prisoners Abroad can also supply general (non-country specific) information on legal aid, court proceedings and can advise on appointing a lawyer.

You are generally entitled to legal representation throughout the pre-trial and trial process. There are provisions for state-funded legal counsel in criminal cases for those who cannot afford a lawyer. Investigations will be conducted in Arabic. An interpreter should be provided to assist in the investigation involving a non-Arabic speaker but this cannot be guaranteed; in all cases it is advisable to have legal representation.

Legal fees can be high; they vary in accordance with the case and the lawyer’s experience. Lawyers usually require an advance payment before accepting a case. In cases involving money the lawyer may ask for a percentage of the final settlement if the case is successful. Lawyers will usually submit a written defence statement for the judge to consider. Lawyers can discuss cases with the Public Prosecutor before they reach court and are provided access to the relevant government-held evidence. Consular staff cannot give legal advice. Consular staff are not legally trained but they can provide you with a list of English-speaking lawyers.

Trial

In hearing criminal cases, the Courts employ practices and procedures similar to those employed in Common and Civil Law Courts. A Public Prosecutor presents the case on behalf of the state, the accused is allowed legal representation throughout the pre-trial and trial process and the accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Trials are held in open court, but the presiding judge can close the courtroom to the public if the case is deemed sensitive. Lawyers prepare litigants and speak for them during the hearing. Non-Arabic speakers are generally provided with interpreters by the Court, again this cannot be guaranteed.

Sentences

Penalties are stated in the Qatar Penal code and can vary from fines, prison sentences, and/or deportation. Corporal punishment may be given to Muslims, regardless of nationality. Capital punishment (death penalty) can also be handed down in Qatar.

If you are deported, you will be sent to the UK unless you express that you wish otherwise.

Appeals

An appeal against a sentence can be made to the Court of Appeal within 15 days, if the defendant was present in court. If they were not present, appeals can be made within 15 days of the publication of the judgement. In certain cases a further appeal can be made to the Court of Cassation within 60 days of the official notification of the Court of Appeal’s judgement. When considering to appeal any decision, this should be discussed with your legal representatives.

Reaching the end of your sentence

Reduction of sentence (remission)

Once you have served three quarters of your sentence, you can apply for early release to the prison authorities, provided you have shown good behaviour.

Early release

There are no provisions for early release on parole.

Clemency or pardon

During Ramadan and around National Day, pardons may be granted by H.H. the Amir. Decisions on Amiri Pardons are taken on a case-by-case basis - there are no rules for success and few are granted. Not all offences are eligible for consideration.

All pleas should be addressed to H.H. the Amir. You should consult your legal representative to discuss the content. We have listed below some ideas on how you may make the best of your application. It may be helpful to submit your application with supporting letters. The most important will be from family members. Others could be from friends and/or a professional person who will support your case, e.g. your MP or lawyer. If appropriate you may also request support from Prisoners Abroad (see Prisoners Abroad). You may wish to include that you understand the seriousness of your offence, repent your past conduct, long for reunion with your family, wish to lead a socially useful life in future, and will never do wrong again.

You may send your application to the Amiri Diwan through prison channels, the embassy or your lawyer.

Financial penalties

If you were sentenced with a fine as well as the prison sentence, you must pay this fine before being allowed to leave Qatar.

Transfer to another prison within Qatar

This is unlikely. Whilst there are various detention facilities in Qatar, most prisoners once convicted will serve their sentences at Central Prison.

Transfer to a prison in the UK

The United Kingdom and Qatar do not have a Prisoner Transfer Agreement, therefore transfer to a prison in the UK is not possible.

Release and deportation

If a sentence of imprisonment followed by deportation is passed you will be deported back to the UK once the prison sentence has been served, unless you wish to travel to an alternative country which will be at your own expense. This is known as judicial deportation. You will be transferred to the deportation centre, where you will remain whilst the deportation process is completed by the authorities. This may take some time.

If the court did not order a deportation following the completion of a custodial sentence, a case may be referred to the Diwan’s office. The Diwan’s office will then consider issuing an administrative deportation order.

On the day of your flight your valuables and passport will be returned to you. You will then be transferred from the custody of the deportation centre to the Immigration Police, who will escort you to the aircraft. It will be your responsibility to ensure you have sufficient funds and to have made the necessary arrangements for any excess baggage to travel with you. The Embassy cannot take possession of any personal items.

Sometimes people find that they face difficulties adjusting to life in the UK once they have left prison. You may find yourself ready for life on the outside but not prepared for living in the UK. You may not have lived in the UK before and have no connections there, or perhaps you have lost touch with friends and family. You may want to talk to another person who understands what you have been through, to help you consider what to do next.

If you are registered with Prisoners Abroad, you can visit Prisoners Abroad when you first arrive back in UK for advice, to use their temporary luggage store, make essential phone calls or use a computer. If you have no belongings Prisoners Abroad may be able to help with basic toiletries and finding suitable clothing. If you know your release date in advance you should tell the Prisoner and Family Support Team when you are likely to arrive and what help you think you might need. If you have no money and nowhere to go, Prisoners Abroad’s Resettlement Service can help with:

• advice on finding emergency accommodation in the London area
• claiming welfare benefits, including emergency benefit payments if you are destitute
• making appointments with doctors and dentists
• putting you in touch with local agencies if you are not returning to the London area

Later on you may want advice on housing, looking for work, applying for training or getting counselling. Prisoners Abroad can refer you to the right agency.

Other sources of practical help back in the UK are:

The Salvation Army

UK Helpline +44 (0)20 7367 4888

Monday to Friday 8am to 4pm, or contact your local Salvation Army branch

The Prison Fellowship

UK Helpline +44 (0)20 7799 2500

Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm

Your criminal record in the UK

We will not normally pass on information about your case to a third party without your consent. However, if you’re arrested for certain serious offences, such as child sex abuse or drugs crimes, our staff must tell other relevant UK authorities. It is possible that information about this may appear if a Criminal Records Bureau check were carried out by a prospective employer.

Chapter 4: Additional information

Prisoners Abroad

Since 1978 the charity Prisoners Abroad has offered practical support and advice to British citizens imprisoned abroad. It is the only UK charity providing this service. It is available to all, whether guilty or innocent, convicted or awaiting charge or trial. Prisoners Abroad supports your health and welfare during your imprisonment. It can also provide support on your return to the UK, through their resettlement service (if you have registered whilst in prison). They can also provide support and advice to your family when you are in prison. To access any services, you must first register with Prisoners Abroad by signing and returning their authorisation form.

Once you seek help from Prisoners Abroad, the Prisoner & Family Support Service will be your point of contact for advice and information. The type of assistance they can offer varies from country to country, but generally they can provide you with information, in English, on:

• your rights as a prisoner
• issues that may affect you such as health or transfer to the UK
• getting magazines, newspapers, books and the regular Prisoners Abroad newsletter
• learning the language of your country of imprisonment
• translating documents
• grants for food if you are in a developing country and do not have funds from other sources
• grants for essential medicines and toiletries if you do not have funds from other sources
• preparing for release
• help for your loved ones, including information, family support groups and, in a few cases, assistance with the cost of visiting
• Freepost envelopes to help you stay in touch with others

Prisoners Abroad

89 – 93 Fonthill Road
London N4 3JH
UK
UK Helpline +44 (0)20 7561 6820 or 0808 172 0098, Mondays to Fridays 9:30am to 4:30pm (UK time)

Glossary of terms

Useful legal terms

English	Arabic
Amnesty/ Pardon	Afou
Appeal	Istinaf
Application form	Talab
Case	Kadiya
Case number	Rakam al Kadiya
Central Prison	Al Sejin Al Markazi
Complaint	Shakwa
Court	Mahkama
Deportation	Ibaad
Deposit	Amanat
Federal Supreme court	Al Mahkama Al Itihadiya
Guilty	Mouznib
Hearing session	Jalsat Istimaa
Indictment	Al Touhma
Innocent	Barei
Interpreter	Moutarjem
Jail	Sejin
Judgement	Mouhakama
Lawyer	Mouhami
Notary	Kateb Adel
Plaintiff	Al Moudaii
Police	Shurta
Power of attorney	Wakala
Prison Director	Mudir Al Sejin
Prison rules	Kanoun Al Sejin
Prosecutor	Niyaba
Release	Efraj
Security	Amn
Punishment	Oukouba
Sentence	Al Hokom
Sharia Court	Al Mahkama Al Shariaa
The Accused	Al Mutaham
Ward number	Rakam Al Anbar
Witness	Shahed

Key phrases – English into Arabic

English	Arabic
Tomorrow	Boukra
Visit	Ziyara
Water	Maa
To buy	Ashtary
Sick	Mareed
Soap	Saboon
Telephone call	Moukalamat telephone
Problem	Mushkila
Library	Maktaba
Money	Feloos
No Problem	Ma fi Moushkila
Bathroom	Hammaam
Blanket	Battaniya
Blood test	Fahs dam
Book	Kitab
Clinic	Eyada
Doctor	Tabeeb
Embassy	Safara
Food	Taam