Kuwaiti authorities detain former Shia MP over criticizing Muharram measures

The Kuwaiti Public Prosecutor’s Office decided to imprison former member of the Kuwaiti National Assembly, Hussein Al-Qallaf, Qababs news website reported.

The Public Prosecutor’s Office decided to detain former MP Hussein Al-Qallaf for 21 days and referred him to the central prison on charges of “criticizing the Emir of the country”.

Al-Qallaf was arrested following after a comment he posted on social media criticizing the Ministry of Interior’s measures regarding the organization of Hussainiyas and the practice of Shia rituals during the current month of Muharram.

The Kuwaiti Ministry of Interior had warned the owners and supervisors of Shia Hussainiyas against raising any banners, cloth signs, or flags other than the Kuwaiti flag or holding processions.

They were urged to comply with the laws and the instructions of security personnel, which triggered a wave of criticism and discontent. Activists and religious figures described these decisions as sectarian and undermining peaceful coexistence in the country.