Qatari news site says website blocked, blames state censorship
DOHA - An independent English-language news site in Qatar accused the Gulf state of censorship on Thursday, saying two internet service providers had blocked access to its website.
The Doha News, which stirred a debate about the limits of tolerance in the conservative country in August with an opinion column on gay rights in Qatar, said the two internet firms had simultaneously barred access to its website on Wednesday.
"We can only conclude that our website has been deliberately targeted and blocked by Qatar authorities," the Doha News said in a statement. "We are incredibly disappointed with this decision, which appears to be an act of censorship."
A Qatar government spokesman was not immediately available for comment. One of the two internet service providers is state-controlled Ooredoo. The company declined to comment.
