Update: Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Ansari continues his hunger strike as the Qatari authorities have not responded to his sole demand which is to leave the country peacefully. On 21 October 2026, due to his deteriorating health which led to him losing 10 kg, his family was forced to take him back to the hospital for treatment. They quickly returned him home because of a previous arrest warrant issued against him.

For 35 years, Qatari authorities have targeted Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Ansari, a well-known media and social figure in the country who has provided invaluable services.

On 11 October 2026, at 9:00 PM, Dr. Al-Ansari began a hunger strike, consuming only water and saline solutions, in protest against the authorities’ violation of his civil and human rights. His current health condition is extremely poor due to the ongoing hunger strike; he is unable to stand and has lost 6 kg.

On 15 October 2026, his family was forced to take him to the hospital, where doctors confirmed that continuing the hunger strike would lead to organ failure. They offered to administer intravenous fluids, but he refused.

On 12 October 2026, Dr. Al-Ansari also posted a video in which he spoke peacefully and respectfully about his hunger strike and his demand to end the injustice he is facing.

Before beginning his hunger strike, on 06 September 2026, Dr. Al-Ansari notified the Public Prosecution, the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC), and the Human Rights Committee of the Ministry of Human Rights in a letter. Despite this, he received no response from them other than a text message from the Public Prosecution refusing to accept his letter.

His only demand is for the authorities to allow him to travel outside Qatar, especially since he had previously voluntarily renounced his Qatari citizenship in late 2024, as a protest against the unfair treatment he faced from the authorities.

Informed local sources confirmed his willingness to meet with officials to resolve the issue through constructive dialogue, but the problem lies in the authorities’ refusal to engage in any kind of dialogue.

Dr. Al-Ansari, 55, is a Qatari social expert, family counselor, author, and television presenter. He is well-known on social media platforms and the Society Channel for providing consultations on family matters and how to resolve family issues. He also shares his personal opinions on public affairs concerning citizens.

While the Gulf Centre for Human Rights (GCHR) expresses its full solidarity with Dr. Al-Ansari, it calls on the Qatari authorities to cease their repressive policies, which include targeting influential social figures not for any wrongdoing on their part, but out of fear of their growing popularity and positive influence on public opinion.

The authorities’ fundamental duty is to protect citizens’ rights, not to infringe upon them. They should have celebrated Dr. Al-Ansari’s achievements over the past decades instead of halting his journey, which has reportedly illuminated the path for many.

GCHR demands that the Qatari government immediately cease targeting Dr. Al-Ansari and allow him to travel without hindrance.

The Qatari authorities must ensure, under all circumstances, that all human rights defenders, including journalists, are able to carry out their legitimate human rights work without fear of reprisal or restrictions, including judicial harassment.

Disclaimer: While GCHR respects Dr. Al-Ansari’s right to freedom of expression and movement, the opinions expressed in his videos are his own and do not necessarily reflect those of GCHR.