THE HAGUE, Netherlands — A prominent human rights lawyer demanded Monday that Qatar compensate Dutch-based victims of an al-Qaida-linked Syrian extremist group, saying the Al Nusra group was financed by Qatar-based funding networks. Qatari authorities did not immediately respond to an email from The Associated Press seeking comment on Zegveld’s claims and her demand for compensation. While the country denies funding extremist groups, it remains a key patron of the Islamic Hamas movement, which rules the Gaza Strip. Western officials also have accused Qatar of allowing or encouraging funding of Sunni extremists like the Nusra Front. The Nusra Front “was only able to arise and maintain its terrorist activities due to the financing provided by Qatar,” Zegveld said in her letter.

Source: National Post April 23, 2018 17:04 UTC