Rights body lauds Kuwait for spiking media law

London: Human Rights Watch-a US-based rights group, has praised Kuwait for spiking a new media law after objections that it threatens freedom of expression and human rights.

The government adopted the Unified Media Law in April, which gave the information ministry power to license news outlets.

It was expected to be passed by the Kuwaiti parliament this month, but Shaikh Jaber Al Mubarak, the prime minister, decided instead to consult editors and journalists after they raised concerns.

“Kuwait’s prime minister deserves praise for spiking this flawed draft law,” said Sarah Leah Whitson, the Middle East director at Human Rights Watch (HRW).

“As currently drafted, it would create new red lines for the media and close down the space for public debate, reversing the trend toward greater openness.”

HRW believes the law would criminalise political comment, enabling the authorities to prosecute people on charges such as “insulting” public officials, “disrespecting” the constitution and “offending the emir.”

Tension between the government and its opponents has intensified since June 2012, when the emir, Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah, suspended parliament for a month.