Kuwait: Thirty people were wounded in Friday's clashes in Kuwait between security forces and bidoon (people without proper documents) demanding citizenship, security sources said on Saturday.
The protest in Jahra, northwest of Kuwait City, was the first in the oil-producing Gulf Arab state since a wave of unrest began sweeping across the Middle East in December.
Fifty people were arrested after the demonstration, the security sources said. A similar protest in the village of Salibiya also drew 80 protesters on Friday, they said.
The sources said seven of the wounded in Jahra were from the security forces, who dispersed the demonstration using smoke bombs and water cannon after protesters refused warnings to leave. The Interior Ministry said protesters threw stones.
Those with more serious wounds were treated at Kuwait City's Sabah Hospital, the sources said.
The bidoon, long-time residents of Kuwait, were demanding citizenship, free education, free healthcare and jobs, benefits available to Kuwaiti nationals.
Many of Kuwait's bidoon are denied citizenship under strict nationality laws in the state, where citizenship entitles holders to generous welfare benefits.
The turmoil in the region and worries about its possible effects on Middle East oil producers has pushed up oil prices. Brent crude hit a 28-month high of $104 a barrel on Thursday.
