Qatar revokes citizenship of high profile poet Mohammed al-Marri

Qatar revoked the citizenship of poet Mohammed bin Futais al-Marri, who holds the title Millions’ Poet, after accusing him of supporting Saudi Arabia at the expense of the Qatari government.

The hashtag “revoking Bin Futais’ nationality” went viral on social media pages as many thought the decision was unjust.

Doha accused Marri of supporting Saudi Arabia amid the crisis between it and the four Arab countries (Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the UAE and Egypt) and after he called on the government to stop supporting terrorists in the Middle East.

Marri, who has been silent for 127 days, finally spoke out and said that he rejects the politicization of hajj and insulting Gulf emblems and described those making such insults as “mobs.”

“If insulting homelands is a red line, then insulting sanctities and the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and scholars is a line of fire and we will not allow anyone to cross it or violate it,” Marri said.

Marri is not the first poet Doha has targeted. Mohammed bin al-Deeb was previously jailed after he was accused of inciting against the regime.

source: Alarabiya