Citizen Initiative expresses its profound concern and indignation at the incident of police brutality on peaceful teachers who were demonstrating for legitimate demands, including a 20% increase in house rent allowance and other basic benefits. On October 12, police used excessive force, including baton charges, water cannons, and sound grenades, against non-government MPO-listed teachers in front of the National Press Club. Many teachers were injured in the assault, which constitutes a grave violation of citizens’ fundamental rights and freedom of expression in a democratic state.

Teachers are the backbone of a nation and play the most vital role in shaping future generations. Such a barbaric attack on educators is not only a blatant violation of human rights but also a moral wound to the conscience of the nation. Citizen Initiative firmly believes that peaceful protest is an inseparable part of democracy, and any attempt to suppress it through state force is utterly unacceptable.

We urge the government to immediately identify and hold accountable those responsible for the attack on teachers in front of the Press Club. Furthermore, we call upon the authorities to implement, without delay, the legitimate demands of underpaid teachers and staff to ensure a dignified standard of living. The government must also refrain from using force against teachers, workers, or citizens exercising their democratic rights, and instead resolve such issues through peaceful dialogue.

Citizen Initiative stands in full solidarity with the protesting teachers and reaffirms its unwavering commitment to protecting the principles of human rights, justice, and democratic freedoms.

Sincerely,
Tayeb Ahmed
Secretary, Citizen Initiative
PhD Candidate & Instructor, Colorado State University

Dr. Hasan Mahmud
Chairman, Citizen Initiative
Assistant Professor, Northwestern University in Qatar