Gulf | Kuwait
Kuwait Human Rights Association calls for immediate release of Mohammad Al Jassem
Kuwait Human Rights Association calls for release of activist detained on charges of insulting the Emir
- By Habib Toumi, Bahrain Bureau Chief
- Published: 18:13 May 23, 2010
- Image Credit: Gulf News
Manama: Kuwait Human Rights Association has called for the immediate release of Mohammad Al Jasem, the activist detained on charges of insulting the Emir, inciting the overthrow of government, and spreading false news that could affect Kuwait's national interests, according to his lawyer Jasser Al Jidei.
The rights watchdog said upon completing a visit to the detainee on Sunday, Al Jasem should pay a bail and allowed to go home until his case is reviewed. The public prosecutor has given the permission for the visit
"He is a well-known Kuwaiti national and he is easy to find and there is no risk of him running away or trying to influence witnesses or to alter evidence," the association said.
Al Jasem was in high spirits and was receiving adequate medical care despite the low standards of the prison infrastructure.
The activist said that he was in contact with the world through the television set and newspapers. "He could also communicate through a telephone with his family and he is expecting them to visit him on Tuesday," the association said. His lawyer has already visited him once.
Al Jasem who is reportedly suffering from heart problems, went on a hunger strike one day after he was summoned by the state security agency to answer the charges levelled against him. Appeals from his family and doctors eventually convinced him to end the strike.
Hundreds of Kuwaitis last week staged a rally in Kuwait City to demand Al Jasem’s release. The public meeting that brought together activists from all ideologies was initiated by a 17-year-old Kuwaiti youth who called for the public demonstration.
According to Kuwaiti daily Arab Times, a statement called upon the authorities to allow Al Jasem to go home included the Alumni Association, Kuwait Human Rights Association, Kuwait Society for Basic Elements of Human Rights, Women Cultural and Social Society, Kuwait Teachers Association, Kuwait University Teachers Association, Teachers League at the Public Authority for Applied Education and Training, Kuwait Economic Society, National Union of Kuwaiti Students, and Kuwaiti Workers Public Union.
Earlier, Paris-based Reporters Without Borders called for the release of Al Jasem and for the dropping of the charges against him.
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