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Hisham AlJundi
Doha
Sheikh Abdullah bin Ali al Thani, who was illegally detained in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has accused Saudi Arabia and the UAE of orchestrating the ongoing Gulf crisis to usurp Qatar's wealth and riches.
In an audio message recorded on January 15, Sheikh Abdullah has threatened to commit suicide.
"Today is January 15. I decided to end my life as I was put under tremendous pressure. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed won't allow me to travel and he is detaining me and not letting me go back to my country (Qatar) and my two daughters. Due to the pressures on me, my confinement, and inability to return home or join my family, I have decided to end my life to prevent any harm to others. I can't bear to see any harm done to my beloved ones just because someone, who has power, wants to do so," Sheikh Abdullah said in the message.
"The Gulf crisis is based on interests and the desire of both Mohammed bin Zayed and Mohammed bin Salman to usurp the wealth and riches of Qatar," he said.
"I urge my fellow Qatari brothers to hold on to the position you have... And be careful of being deceived by money to destroy your own country. They had put me under great pressure to do so... My fellow brothers in the GCC countries: Please don't fight over unimportant issues, you are all brothers."
On January 14, Sheikh Abdullah had released a video statement, saying he was a"prisoner" in the UAE, and that if anything happened to him,"Sheikh Mohammed" will responsible. While he did not specify, Sheikh Abdullah appeared to be referring to Abu Dhabi's crown prince.
On Wednesday, he flew to Kuwait where he was transferred to a hospital shortly after arrival in a wheelchair. A day earlier, Abdullah's brother, Sheikh Khalid, said his sibling's health had deteriorated due to exhaustion and pressure he was exposed to under Emirati authorities.
