‘Govt using Freedom of Speech Law against Kuwaitis, instead of using it to protect them’

MP Al-Tabtabaei submits queries to FM

KUWAIT CITY, Aug 1: In a bid to clarify issues concerning citizens prosecuted by the judiciary for defending their country through spoken word while nothing happens to foreign bodies that offend the nation and its people, MP Omar Al-Tabtabaei submitted queries to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled.

In a press conference at the National Assembly Media Center, Al-Tabtabaei pointed out the ministry is powerless in this regard, citing the foreign policies and Freedom of Speech Law that the ministry follows. He asserted that this is just an excuse as foreign policies do not apply on the abovementioned issues, considering some foreign statements are deemed offensive to the nation and its people while the government prosecutes citizens for responding and defending Kuwait. He said the government is using the Freedom of Speech Law against Kuwaitis, instead of using the law to protect them. He stressed that it is unacceptable for the government to be merciless toward citizens, while being considerate and complaisant toward those who offended the country. He asked if the government took action against these people or just the Kuwaitis.

He also inquired about the number of complaints or grievances submitted by various embassies in the country against Kuwaitis and an explanation of polices followed in this regard compared with the number of complaints or grievances submitted by Kuwaiti embassies against offending bodies abroad.

He added the Freedom of Speech Law contains flexible articles that are being bent and taken advantage of by other countries against Kuwaitis. He hopes the proposed amendments to the law, which are being reviewed by the concerned committees, will see the light in the next legislative term.