KUWAIT CITY, Oct 12: MP Ali Al-Rashid on Tuesday denied allegations that the Ministry of Interior (MoI) has launched a crackdown on seminars and public gatherings in the country.

Al-Rashid disclosed he asked the ministry officials to clarify the issue and the officials explained that they merely took the necessary measures to prevent any untoward incident and to protect the image of Kuwait in the international community, particularly its freedom and democracy policies.

Affirming the ministry allows citizens to hold seminars in diwaniyas, Al-Rashid stressed the authorities cannot deprive the people of their right to express their opinion. He said the measures taken by the security officers are part of their daily duties to ease the traffic jams and maintain peace and order in the country.

Commenting on the report of the parliamentary Interior and Defense Affairs Committee, which holds Interior Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Khalid Al-Sabah responsible for the release of two Iranian prisoners accused of trafficking in drugs and impersonating a doctor, Al-Rashid disclosed three panel members voted in favor of the report and two voted against. He explained this is not yet final, because the Parliament still needs to discuss the issue.
On the appointment of officials in government institutions, Al-Rashid outrightly rejected any attempt to interfere in the affairs of the executive authority. He warned on the dangerous consequences of politicizing the appointment process, since it may open doors to preferential treatment. He stressed the need to give the executive a chance to address the issue, adding that anyone can resort to the Administrative Court in case he feels he has been mistreated.
When asked to comment on calls for the government’s resignation or reshuffle of ministers, Al-Rashid pointed out this demand should come from the lawmakers, who had previously affirmed their confidence in the executive, not those who voted in favor of the no confidence motion against the Cabinet.

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KUWAIT CITY: The Parliamentary Interior and Defense Committee revealed the case of two Iranians charged for drug trafficking and illegal abortion practices will pave the way for grilling of Interior Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Khalid in the next session of the parliament, reports Al-Watan Arabic daily.
The daily quoting sources revealed that conflicts among members of the committee reflect the personal and political dimensions of the issue, which is likely to set out the face-off between the executive and legislative bodies in the next period. Sheikh Khalid will then be first in Kuwaiti history to face grilling three consecutive times in a single legislative term, should the plan succeed, sources noted.
In the meantime, the inconsistencies in statements issued by members of the committee on the issue of final voting exposed imminent crisis the members have managed from getting out of hand, indicating the Popular Labor Bloc is behind pressure mounting on the committee members who support the Interior Minister.