Blogger arrested in Kuwait
It seems as though Kuwait is following Egypt’s model of curbing free speech by arresting bloggers. Forza Kuwait reports that fellow Kuwaiti blogger Bashar has been arrested by state security. The Kuwaiti writes in more detail:
Bashar Al-Sayegh was arrested and beaten yesterday by the Kuwaiti Secret Police for an anonymous comment on Bashar’s forum regarding the Amir (which was deleted).
Another Kuwaiti blogger, Q8-sws, adds:
I refuse to think of our government and its civilized constitution as a police state, especially with many mistakes made in the 30s and 70s and 80s! and especially after the absolutely incredible support received during the invasion of Kuwait by the people…. but they make it hard not to think of them that way.
Silly Bahraini Girl shares her disbelief in a post entitled “even YOU… Kuwait!”
I don’t know Bashar Al Sayegh and I haven’t seen the insult. But what I know for a fact is that Kuwait has today etched a place of pride for itself among nations which have prided themselves as being the enemies of freedom of speech.
Way to go our Arab brethren! I just wonder which country will be next?
Should imprisonment be the price to pay for bloggers in this region? Especially if it’s against our constitutions? Egypt has similar articles promising freedom, none of which are ever applied. As for Kuwait:
Article 31 [Arrest, Move, No Torture]
(1) No person shall be arrested, detained, searched, or compelled to reside in a specified place, nor shall the residence of any person or his liberty to choose his place of residence or his liberty of movement be restricted, except in accordance with the provisions of the law.
(2) No person shall be subjected to torture or to degrading treatment.Article 36 [Freedom of Opinion and Expression]
Freedom of opinion and of scientific research is guaranteed. Every person has the right to express and propagate his opinion verbally, in writing, or otherwise, in accordance with the conditions and procedures specified by law.Article 37 [Freedom of the Press]
Freedom of the press, printing, and publishing is guaranteed in accordance with the conditions and manner specified by law.
Considering their policies above, what is their excuse for doing this?
Update: Great news: He’s been released!
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[…] Mideast Youth reports that Kuwaiti blogger Bashar Al-Sayegh was arrested on August 19, according to the blog Forza Kuwait. According to the blog The Kuwaiti, “Bashar Al-Sayegh was arrested and beaten yesterday by the Kuwaiti Secret Police for an anonymous comment on Bashar’s forum regarding the Amir (which was deleted).” […]