Two Norwegian journalists who were interviewing foreign workers on human rights issues were temporarily detained by authorities in Qatar, where the Soccer World Cup will be held next year.
In Qatar, international criticism has spread that workers are in a harsh environment, and authorities are nervous about media coverage.
The Qatari government announced on the 24th that it has temporarily detained two journalists from the Norwegian public broadcaster NRK.
According to the announcement, the two were interviewing foreign workers on human rights issues and were detained on the 22nd for entering the building without permission in the area where workers in the capital Doha live.
The two were released the next morning.
In response, Norwegian Prime Minister Storre commented that "free press is essential for democracy to work," and said that the detention of the two was unacceptable.
In Qatar, large-scale construction work is continuing for the soccer World Cup that will start in November next year, but international human rights groups are in the midst of severe heat from foreign workers from India and Nepal who are in charge of the construction work. He points out that thousands of people have died in the last 10 years, including working long hours.
Athletes from multiple countries, including Norway, have also been criticized internationally, calling for better treatment for the workers who support the tournament, and authorities are nervous about media coverage.