The family of a man facing two years in jail in Qatar if he is extradited over an unpaid debt has called on David Beckham to help free him. Dad-of-three Brian Glendinning, 43, arrived at Basra airport in Iraq on September 12 to start a job at a BP oil refinery.
But he was arrested and detained on an Interpol Red Notice from Qatar over a debt owed to Qatar National Bank. Grandad-of-one Brian, from Kincardine, Fife, is now facing extradition to Qatar as his desperate family scramble to raise £40,000 to bring him home.
He has been in a jail in Baghdad for more than four weeks and his children have now appealed to footy star David Beckham to support their father’s release.
In a statement today they said: “We are asking everyone and anyone with influence and connections with Qatar to please help save our Dad. David Beckham is the international face of football, he agreed to a £10 million deal with Qatar to act as an ambassador for the country.
"Since Doha is hosting the World Cup this year, we just hope he may be able to use his position to convince Qatar to let our father come home.”
Interpol expert Radha Stirling, founder of IPEX, is supporting the family. She said with the World Cup coming up, Qatar ‘should be mindful’ of rights attacks towards foreigners.
Ms Stirling said: “Brian needs public support. He needs the support of influencers and people who can have a real impact on Qatar’s authorities, particularly in the context of the World Cup.
“Unfortunately, the UK Government has compromised their own ability to influence Doha, with tens of billions of pounds flowing into the British economy from Qatar.
"The FCDO has little leverage. But Qatari officials are cognizant of their country’s image, and want the World Cup to proceed without a glitch.
“If someone like David Beckham uses his celebrity and influence to advocate for Brian, it could make a huge difference.”
Construction engineer Brian took out a £20,000 loan from the bank in 2016 while he was working in Doha. He was making monthly repayments on the loan but lost his job after he became sick and struggled to keep them up.
When he arrived in Iraq last month to start his new job he was arrested at the airport and later appeared in court where a judge ordered him to be transported to Baghdad. He has been in jail in Baghdad since September 25 while he awaits a further court hearing.
Brother John, 39, also from Kincardine, said: “When my dad called and told me the news I broke down, he’s my big brother and my best friend so I was absolutely terrified. It was so scary because I knew I couldn’t just get on a flight and go to see him.
“The first time we spoke it was very emotional, it was hard because I could tell he was scared. It’s just awful, everyday you wake up thinking this can’t be real but it is.”
Nearly £20,000 has been raised to help cover the family's legal costs. To donate visit - www.gofundme.com/f/save-brian-from-qatar-jail
