College increases security after car bombing in Doha
3/21/2005 3:17:22 PM
March 21, 2005 - College of the North Atlantic-Qatar (CNA-Q) is taking added security measures in light of a car bombing that took place at a theatre in downtown Doha on Saturday, March 19 killing one British man and injuring a dozen others.
Six employees from CNA-Q were among the 60 or so theatre goers, however two had left the scene prior to the explosion. The remaining four were not injured. The explosion took place near the concession area of the theatre, but most people were in watching the play when the incident occurred.
The attack was carried out by an Egyptian man. Early speculation was that he was acting alone, however authorities are also now investigating claims by an extremist group on an Islamic website that they are responsible for the attack. At this time the authenticity of this claim could not be verified. Some experts believe the bombing may have been influenced by a statement issued by an al-Qaeda leader last week urging attacks against countries with western ties, including Qatar. The attack came on the second anniversary of the US-led coalition force’s invasion of Iraq. This is the first ever terrorist attack against civilians to take place in Qatar. (Latest news report: ABC World News story - http://www.abc.net.au/worldtoday/content/2005/s1328166.htm; Al-Jazeera story: http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/0BDACDA4-241C-40CD-A216-066F004D3665.htm)
CNA-Qatar management and security personnel immediately began acting to tighten security at the employee's living accomodations and campuses, hiring ex-RCMP Corporal Jim Osborne as a security consultant. Thus far they have or will have additional security officers in place, police temporarily stationed at the campuses and the living quarters of staff, new procedures for visitors to the compound, new parking arrangements at the campus and concrete barriers to fortify areas at the campus to make them inaccessible to vehicle traffic.
Classes are ongoing, however students and staff are naturally upset by the incident and are glad to see the added security measures being put in place. Also, counseling services are available to any student and/or staff member wishing to avail of them.
Staff are being advised of any updates on the status of the new security measures, the role of the Emergency Measures Committee, and any further details coming from the investigation of the attack. The US military, in conjunction with the State of Qatar, is leading the investigation with assistance from several other countries, including France and Britain.
Administration at the college in Qatar are keeping in close contact with the Canadian Embassy and are providing updated information to employees in Qatar and management at College of the North Atlantic in Newfoundland and Labrador as it becomes available.
A city-wide protest against terrorism took place today in Doha with students and staff from CNA-Q taking part. This peaceful protest drew over 2,000 people including Qatari citizens, Arabs from other countries in the region and many non-Arab expatriates.
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For more information contact:
Stephen Lee
Communications Manager
College of the North Atlantic
(709) 643-7929