Manama: Those without papers to prove their identity detained in last weekend's demonstrations in Kuwait will be released when the interior ministry receives confirmation of their non-involvement in illegal activities, the interior minister has said.
However, if they are not cleared, they will be referred to the Public Prosecution for further action, Shaikh Ahmad Al Humoud Al Sabah was quoted in a Kuwait Times report yesterday.
Several people without papers were arrested during the protests staged in Taima and Sulaibiya last weekend. "What has been perpetrated by some [stateless] is unacceptable," said the minister, in reference to the protests in which a number of stateless residents demanded citizenship and more rights.
"We are dealing with stateless residents with a great deal of transparency and open-mindedness, but Kuwait's best interest is something that is supported by all," he said.
Shaikh Ahmad's statement was issued as security sources said that the prosecution service has ordered an extension of the detention of three stateless residents pending investigation into their involvement in the recent protests.
The three suspects are charged with holding an illegal gathering, assaulting police officers performing their duties, and deliberate damage to public property. All the charges are related to state security.
Civil rights
However, according to one security official speaking on condition of anonymity, the suspects have denied the charges against them and insisted that they were only protesting to demand their civil rights. The source further confirmed that 80 stateless residents have been released from custody on Tuesday after it was proven that they did not take part in any acts of sabotage, the daily reported.
Shaikh Ahmad Al Fahad Al Sabah, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, reiterated the government is commitment to providing civil and social rights to stateless residents.
