Matthew and Grace Huang, an American couple in Qatar who were convicted of killing their adopted daughter before having the verdict overturned on appeal, were prevented from leaving the Gulf kingdom yesterday.

The New York Times reports:

But the joy and relief expressed by the couple, Matthew and Grace Huang of Los Angeles, gave way hours later to new frustrations and fear, as Qatari immigration officials prevented them from leaving the country even though the appellate judge had said they were free to go home.

Tensions at Doha’s international airport escalated as the Huangs, escorted by legal representatives and the United States ambassador, Dana Shell Smith, were told a travel ban on the couple was still in effect. It was unclear why.

The continued delay in allowing the Huang’s to depart has prompted Secretary of State John Kerry to intercede on their behalf.

Kerry said he had spoken to Foreign Minister Khaled Mohammed al-Attiya, and called on Doha “to immediately implement the court’s decision and permit their return to the United States without further delay”.

Despite being an American regional ally and hosting the largest American air base on foreign soil, Qatar often works at cross-purposes with the United States, especially in its ongoing financing of terrorism.

[Photo: CBS Evening News / YouTube ]