KUWAIT CITY, Sept 25: Abdul Rahman Al-Mutairi, the Minister of Information and Minister of Endowments and Islamic Affairs, outlined the comprehensive process behind the development of the media regulation law during a discussion session titled “The Media Regulation Law… Everyone’s Responsibility.” This session brought together media professionals, newspaper editors-in-chief, and individuals involved in various media sectors.

Al-Mutairi detailed the law’s three-stage evolution, which began with the collection of opinions, experiences, and challenges in its initial draft. These were subsequently addressed with relevant state authorities, leading to the law’s second stage focusing on implementation to cater to the media sector’s needs. The session marked the third stage in this law’s evolution. He emphasized that this discussion session was in line with the directives emphasizing that the media apparatus belongs to the public, highlighting the collaborative nature of media strategy between specialists and the public. Al-Mutairi stressed that the media field’s key actors are those actively involved in media activities.

The Minister highlighted that Kuwait currently has three laws in effect, and the media regulation law aims to streamline and improve media regulation while upholding freedom of expression. He welcomed feedback on the draft law, which consists of 9 chapters and 104 articles, inviting comments on the ministry’s website for a two-week period.

Regarding prohibitions and penalties, Al-Mutairi noted a key amendment. While the current laws impose imprisonment on editors-in-chief and writers, the proposed change shifts the punishment to the violator, with a maximum penalty of one year in prison and a fine of no less than 10,000 dinars.

The license would be suspended, but there would be no cancellation. He also detailed changes to prohibitions related to criticism of HH the Amir of the country and incitement to overthrow the ruling system. These would result in a prison term of no more than one year and a fine ranging from 5,000 to 20,000 dinars for the violator, rather than the editor-in-chief. Furthermore, the law addresses incitement to outrage public modesty or commit acts of debauchery and harm to people’s dignity, beliefs, or reputation, with fines of no less than 3,000 dinars directly imposed on the violator. Prohibitions that harm Kuwait’s relations with friendly countries would also result in fines.
By Fares Al-Abdan Al-Seyassah / Arab Times Staff