Gulf | Kuwait

Kuwait deports 19 Egyptians

Men accused of raising funds for Egyptian political parties

  • By Habib Toumi, Bureau chief
  • Published: 12:52 November 20, 2012
  • Gulf News

Manama: Kuwait has deported 19 Egyptians after they reportedly broke the law and raised funds for two Egyptian political parties. The Egyptians were flown home on Monday afternoon despite attempts by Egyptian diplomats to halt the process and have the Kuwaiti authorities reverse their decision. The Egyptians, 19 adults and one young man, were arrested on Friday in Kuwait City for reportedly raising funds without applying for a permit.

Under Kuwaiti laws, illegal gatherings and fund-raising activities could result in deporting foreigners found guilty. Reports in Kuwait said that some of the detainees admitted they were raising funds, but insisted that they were to help orphan children in Egypt.

Witnesses claimed that the Egyptians wore shirts with the logos of two political parties during their gathering. However, Wael Jad, the Egyptian general consul said that the 19 were arrested as they celebrated the Islamic New Year at the Green Island without permission. The Egyptian foreign ministry said that the detainees had gathered to celebrate the new year following an open invitation posted on Facebook. Kuwait and other Muslim countries marked the beginning of the Islamic lunar year on Thursday.

Kuwait

  1. Kuwait suspends executives over Dow payment

  2. Kuwait gives $15m for Syria’s Palestinians

  3. Rights body lauds Kuwait for spiking media law

  4. Kuwaiti player dies after taking energy drinks

  5. Kuwait court acquits two bloggers

  6. Kuwait bars expats from public hospitals

  7. Kuwait’s political situation shrouded in mystery

  8. Kuwait court adjourns blogger’s trial

All articles in Kuwait


More from Gulf

Gulf News
Popular in Kuwait
News Editor's choice
Gulf weather