Bid to repatriate foreign inmates
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KUWAIT CITY, March 17: The parliamentary Human Rights Committee discussed the inmates’ right to privacy, prison overcrowding and repatriation of non-Kuwaiti prisoners to their countries with representatives of the Interior Ministry on Thursday.
Committee Chairman MP Jamal Al-Omar said they looked into the proposal to amend bylaws of the ministry in a bid to improve the social status and condition of prisoners; especially since these bylaws are now implemented in many Gulf, Arab and other countries. He said the ministry’s representatives promised to study the proposal and submit results to the committee within 30 days On the repatriation of foreign inmates, Al-Omar confirmed the Interior Ministry is closely following up the issue while its foreign affairs counterpart is working with the concerned countries to ensure smooth procedures for the repatriation of hundreds of foreign prisoners in accordance with these countries’ agreement with Kuwait in this regard.
He said the committee has asked the Foreign Affairs Ministry to submit details such as the number of Kuwaiti prisoners abroad, role of consulates and if the prisoners have been informed of their right to request for transfer to Kuwait.
Meanwhile, former minister and MP Ali Al-Rashed has submitted a report to the Public Prosecution on the alleged irregularities in the metro project while unveiling his plan to present a memorandum to the State Audit Bureau on the same subject by the beginning of next week.
He claimed there are a number of anomalies in the process of handing over the project to contractors, indicating each of the five stages of construction will cost KD15 billion – more than 80 percent of the country’s budget. He called on the prime minister to interfere before it is too late and for the minister of finance to resign due to his incompetence.
Commenting on the issue, Chairman of the Budgets and Final Accounts Committee MP Adnan Abdulsamad vehemently denied the allegation of Al-Rashed. He argued a project that is as big as the metro should have files in the Parliament and government; hence, no action is taken without the approval of both authorities. He then urged Al-Rashed to present proof of his allegation.
In another development, MP Ahmed Al-Azmi said Minister of Public Works Ali Al-Omair has confirmed approval of the budget for developing the Seventh Ring Road. He asserted this is vital for the improvement of the country’s infrastructure, considering the significance of this road especially since many motorists are using it daily. He added this road development project covers everything, including repaving, widening and construction of bridges in order to reduce traffic congestion
By Abubakar A. Ibrahim and Ahmed Al- Naqeeb Arab Times Staff
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