On June 7, 2021, a Mexican woman was attacked in Qatar by an individual who entered her home. She brought charges against him for home invasion and assault, whereupon the defendant alleged that they were in a relationship. This led the Qatari authorities to launch and investigation into the crime of of having "illicit relations," a serious offense under local law.

The Mexican embassy in Qatar has provided consular protection to the woman since learning of the situation from her family.  The consulate accompanied the complaint process and provided interpretation assistance. It also helped the woman to leave Qatar. On June 26, 2021, she returned to Mexico, from where she has continued the case while at liberty. 

She has had legal representation and, on the instructions of Foreign Secretary Marcelo Ebrard, after meeting with her on February 18, 2022, the Mexican government covered her lawyer's fees for the procedural stage of the trial and improved her defense with the assistance of the Foreign Ministry's Legal Office.  The legal team led by Legal Advisor Alejandro Celorio reviewed and obtained an official translation of the legal file, and has coordinated with the individual, her lawyer, the Mexican embassy in Qatar and other areas of the Foreign Ministry to strengthen the legal arguments of the defense. Hearings were held on February 14 and March 6, 2022, at which time the Court decided to defer the case, requesting the woman's personal appearance.

At a hearing on April 3, the woman's lawyer submitted the legal arguments for the defense to the judge and the prosecutor. The judge then decided to end the criminal proceeding.

The Mexican embassy in Qatar will continue to offer consular assistance and guidance to all Mexicans in Qatar, in accordance with the applicable legislation and international law. Given the cultural and legal differences, it is working on a strategy of preventive protection within the Foreign Ministry and is strengthening its capacities for the World Cup that will be played in Qatar from November-December 2022.