"I am against demands to close any media outlet, because it is a crime, a violation of basic human rights to freedom of speech… If Al Jazeera violated something, anyone could sue it – in a Qatari court or in [a court of] any other country, it is the legitimate right of every person harmed by the media. But the demand to close [Al Jazeera] is a crime," Abuhilala said.
He added that Al Jazeera covered the diplomatic row between Qatar and Gulf Arab states from the first day in a professional and impartial manner, also inviting experts who supported "illegitimate" measures against Qatar.
Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt severed diplomatic ties with Qatar on June 5 after accusing it of funding extremism and destabilizing the Middle East. The nations then embargoed all sea, air and land traffic to the country, triggering food shortages.
