Manama: Five Syrians face deportation from Kuwait after they organised a political rally on a public road.
The five were reportedly taking part in a wedding procession when they raised slogans supporting the Free Syrian Army fighting the regime of President Bashar Al Assad.
“Their action stalled traffic on Al Fahaihal Road, shortly before the Sabah Al Salem Bridge,” the interior ministry said. “The five Syrians have been referred to the police where they admitted their acts.”
The investigation is continuing, but the Syrians are most likely to be deported for breaking the strict rules in Kuwait related to foreigners on organising and taking part in rallies.
Article 12 of Kuwait’s 1979 law regarding public gatherings prohibits non-citizens from participating in processions, demonstrations, or public gatherings in Kuwait.
News of the arrest and deportation of foreigners over rallies related to Arab issues invariably spark an intense debate among Kuwaitis.
Reactions usually range from full endorsement of the government in its action against “non-Kuwaitis who wanted to import their problems and issues into the country” to a call to the authorities to exercise self-restraint and treat the whole issue as “a minor violation that warranted just a warning”.
Last August, Kuwait deported nine Egyptians, reportedly supporters of the Muslim Brotherhood, for taking part in rallies in front of their embassy.
Security sources told Kuwaiti media that the men had been clearly identified through the video recordings of the demonstrations to protest the developments in their country.
The sources added that the Egyptians had been summoned by the police after initial investigations revealed that they were directly or indirectly involved in the protests.
