Cleric faces ‘action’ for tweet against late Kuwaiti actor

dubai — The Saudi Ministry of Culture and Information has referred a tweet posted by Yemeni cleric in Saudi Arabia to a committee that looks into publishing violations.

Ali Al Rabaei could face legal actions for insulting the late and much-loved Kuwaiti actor, playwright and comedian, Abdulhussain Abdul Rida. The statement showing disrespect to the Kuwaiti actor on Friday, before the announcement of his death, sparked widespread resentment.

Abdul Rida, 78, passed away in London after 60 years of acting in theatre and TV. He gained huge popularity in the Arab World.

Writers, artistes and twitteratis have called for enactment of a law criminalising racism, and curbing expression against any religion, colour or any form of racial discrimination.

Al Rabiei said that it is not allowed to pray and ask God for mercy on the deceased since he belongs to a different sect. His tweet triggered an outrage. Saudi artiste Nasser Al Qasabi called on the minister of information and culture not to just accept the apology of the Yemeni cleric to the Kuwaiti people after attacking the deceased.

Twitter users reacted to the Yemeni cleric‘s tweet and criticised his stand against the deceased, who was known for his satirical TV and Theatrical acting roles.

Torki Al Hamad said: “We have to eliminate hatred, contempt and rejection, and instead, build paradises of love, tolerance and co-existence”. Hani Al Ghufaili, Spokesman of the Ministry of Culture and Information, tweeted on his account that the ministry had referred the cleric to the committee of publishing violations for breaching the publications and printing law.

Public prosecutor Sheikh Saud Allah Al Moajab said in a statement that any sharing that carries “contents harmful to the society”, will be scrutinised by public prosecution, according to its jurisdiction and the Sharia.

reporters@khaleejtimes.com