TV series aired during Ramadan subject of Parliamentary queries

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Article 44 takes time, jeopardizes search: Al-Tabtabaei

KUWAIT CITY, June 6: Kuwaiti and collaborative drama and comedy series filmed prior to Ramadan and aired during the Holy Month have always been under the scrutiny of MPs and subject to parliamentary inquiries, especially the MPs from conservative parties.

This has been the practice since the Gulf entertainment scene started to venture into other sub-genres of drama and comedy, on grounds that Kuwaiti comedy has moved towards sarcasm through slapstick humour and offending people while the drama evolved from family disputes to scandals; hence, promoting unethical deeds.

Most likely prompted by an episode of a Kuwaiti comedy series that caused an outcry due to the use black face paint and stereotypes to portray the Sudanese people, MP Adel Al- Damkhi submitted a priority query to Minister of State for Youth Affairs Mohammad Nasser Al-Jabri about the policies related to programs aired on local television. He also requested for a list of television series approved for airing and those rejected, along with reasons for taking such steps.

Other MPs took a more social route in voicing their concern through social media but they have yet to take official action.

In another development, MP Walid Al-Tabtabaei announced that he has submitted a bill to amend Article 44 of law number 17 for the year 1960 regarding the Code of Criminal Procedures and Trials to allow a police officer, whenever necessary, to send a warrant for search, inspection and inquiry electronically to the investigator, to issue the authorization and respond through the same means.

Article 44 states: “When a police officer investigates, and search of a specific person or dwelling is necessary, he must present the case to the investigator in order to ensure that the search/inspection is warranted, and authorize him in writing.

The officer is required to present his report on the search/inspection to the investigator upon completion. In his explanatory note, Al-Tabtabaei pointed out the implementation of this article takes time, which could jeopardize the purpose of the search/ inspection as it gives time for cleaning the place or for the wanted or suspected person to flee from the area.

He highlighted the advantage of his proposal, asserting it preserves the right to privacy at home stipulated in Article 38 of the Constitution which reads: “The home is inviolable; therefore, save in cases determined by law and in the manner stipulated therein, no one is allowed to enter any home without the dweller’s permission.” He emphasized the need to protect public interest and wellbeing through immediate implementation of the bill.

Furthermore, some individuals whose forged Kuwaiti nationality has been revoked is said to have been granted citizenship once again and MP Ahmed Al-Fadel wants to know why. Addressing HH the Prime Minister Shiekh Jaber Al-Mubarak, Al-Fadel said in a press conference at the National Assembly: “It is like releasing a thief and giving him back what he stole!” He asserted that it is either the government has wrongly accused these individuals or the government’s decision was sound but it was forced to reinstate the nationality due to political pressure. If the government will remain silent over the matter, the Assembly will definitely not remain silent and it will demand for explanations, he concluded.

By Ahmed Al-Naqeeb Arab Times Staff

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