Kuwait anti-dictatorship movement continues

This video is called Police fire teargas and rubber bullets at opposition protesters in Kuwait.

From Reuters:

Kuwait opposition to unite in protest rally on Sunday-politician

Wed, 7 Nov 2012 08:27 GMT

KUWAIT – Kuwaiti opposition groups plan to unite in protest against new voting rules at a rally on Sunday, a politician said, a week after authorities broke up an unauthorised demonstration.

Kuwait tolerates more dissent than some other Gulf states but in recent weeks police have used tear gas and smoke bombs to disperse thousands of Kuwaitis protesting ahead of a Dec. 1 election.

Opposition leaders say the amendments passed by decree last month are an attempt to give pro-government candidates an advantage in the poll, which they say they will boycott.

The frequent rallies usually take place peacefully in Erada Square, a designated protest area opposite parliament, but some have spread to the streets beyond and resulted in clashes. The government says demonstrations outside designated areas or without permits are illegal.

Opposition groups plan “a large rally” in the square on Nov. 11 to mark the 50th anniversary of the constitution, former opposition lawmaker Waleed al-Tabtabie wrote on Twitter.

Opposition lawmakers include Islamists, tribal MPs and liberals who have joined together with youth groups in protests.

Kuwait’s ruler, Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah, said on Tuesday there would be no leniency towards threats to “the security of the homeland”. …

Rallies have focused on local issues such as the voting rules and reforms, such as allowing an elected government, more political accountability or for the creation of political parties, which are banned.

See also here.

Related articles

• Kuwait takes hard line on unauthorised protests (antiguaobserver.com)
• Kuwait citizen agitation is worth watching (dailystar.com.lb)

About these ads