KUWAIT CITY, June 28: MP Al-Saifi Mubarak Al-Saifi and several other MPs have started gathering signatures for a request to hold a special parliamentary session to discuss the alleged violations of the Anti-Encroachment Committee. Speaking to reporters Monday, Al-Saifi affirmed the lawmakers have responded positively to the petition, indicating he has informed Parliament Speaker Jassem Al-Khorafi and HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah on this request.

Al-Saifi pointed out the lawmakers will not remain silent, especially since the committee has been misusing its powers. He stressed the need to open an intensive parliamentary investigation to look into the anomalous activities of the committee, which had previously taken harsh measures to demolish the diwaniyas of citizens while neglecting the violations committed by influential personalities and opportunists. He argued the special session, in case it pushes through, will pave the way for the disclosure of the errors and abusive steps taken by the panel in the past.

Criticized
In a related issue, a reliable source revealed two hours will be allocated for deliberations on the alleged violations of the committee. Several lawmakers have criticized the panel for the demolition of the diwaniyas of citizens, gardens and make-shift mosques, as well as the uprooting of trees. Many MPs, including Mohammad Hayef and Khalid Al-Adwah, has been questioning the credibility of the panel since its formation several years ago. These lawmakers have called for the abolition of the committee allegedly due to its grave violations.