KUWAIT CITY, Feb 13: Kuwait Human Rights Society (KHRS) has been watching the positive developments in the country’s political terrain, citing the recent release of Dr Obaid Al-Wasmi on bail, as per ruling by the Criminal Court, besides the withdrawal of cases the prime minister had filed against Mohammad Abdul-Kader Al-Jassem, lawyer Talal Sanad Al-Fadhalah and Mohammad Al-Wushaie to strengthen the values of leniency, sublimation and accepting others’ opinion, says a press release by Kuwait Human Rights Society.

The statement added that KHRS is pressing for amendment to the law on gathering to activate the right to hold peaceful gathering and meetings, in line with Article 44 of the Constitution, stipulating that individuals have the right to meet without prior permission or notification, and it’s inappropriate for security forces to be present at their meetings. Public meetings, caravans, and gatherings are allowed, in accordance with rules and situations the law clearly explains, provided the objective of the meeting is peaceful and consistent with the rules of decorum.

Subsequent to Decision No 1/2005 the Constitutional Court issued to cancel specific laws and the Articles of Law 65/1979, there has been a legislative vacuum that requires solution from the government and the National Assembly, and the KHRS is calling for amendment that will be consistent with Article 44 of the Constitution.

Attempt
Also, the society is pressing for the government to stop any attempt to amend the Audio-Visual, Print and Publication Laws, with the aim of setting stiffer penalties and journalists and those airing their opinions, considering the move violates the Constitution and international pacts on human rights. Article 36 of the Constitution states the freedom of opinion and scientific research is guaranteed for everyone, according to the rules and situations explained by the law” And article 37 states that freedom of press and publication is guaranteed based on regulations and situations explained by the law”.

For these, the society hopes the government and the National Assembly will work on amending the Audio-Visual, Print and Publication Laws consistently, based on the principles of freedom of opinion and press to cancel all stiff punishments, particularly imprisonment. Citizens and residents should enjoy the air of freedom and express their opinions through peaceful means.

It called on the government, represented by the Information Ministry to review all cases against journalists, television stations and local dailies, so that celebration of the golden jubilee of independence and 20 years of liberation from the Iraqi invasion will be meaningful by understanding the freedom of expression and the right to gathering.

It went on to affirm the values of freedom, democracy, diverse opinions and tolerance to face transformation in our world, where people are rejecting all forms of tyranny.

We hope that Kuwait will advance in development, freedom and the values of human rights will be strengthened under the wise leadership of HH the Amir and the Crown Prince, may God protect them, the release concluded.