Kuwait bans foreign and sectarian flags, sparking online debate

Kuwait bans foreign and sectarian flags, sparking online debate

Kuwait has issued a decree amending its national flag law, imposing strict limits on the display of foreign, religious, and sectarian flags. The new provision—Article 3 (bis)—prohibits raising foreign flags at public, private, or national events without prior approval from the Interior Ministry. Exceptions are made for international sporting events hosted in Kuwait.

The decree also bans flags and symbols representing religious, sectarian, or tribal affiliations, with licensed sports clubs being the only exception. Violators face up to three years in prison and fines reaching 10,000 Kuwaiti dinars. Repeat offenders may face doubled penalties and confiscation of items.

The government justified the move as a response to rising incidents involving unauthorized flags that, it says, threaten national cohesion and public order. The decision triggered widespread debate on social media. While some view it as a necessary step toward unity, others raised concerns over potential restrictions on freedom of expression.