Kuwait, June 15: Kuwait’s foreign minister rejected US State Department comments about the case of a blogger on trial for allegedly insulting the country’s ruler, a local newspaper reported Monday.
Daily Al Anbaa quoted Shaikh Mohammad Al Salem Al Sabah as saying concerns expressed earlier this month amounted to interfering in Kuwait’s internal affairs. Blogger and journalist Mohammad Abdul Kader Al Jasem faces up to 18 years in prison if convicted, according to his lawyers.
He was detained on May 11 after a complaint against him was issued by the office of the Emir, Shaikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah.
“I cannot comment on a case being heard in court, but I can say we don’t accept any interference in our internal affairs at all. Kuwait is a sovereign state with its own systems and authorities,” the foreign minister said.
Al Jasem is also accused of spreading false news that could harm Kuwait’s national interests, and inciting against the government. He and his family deny the accusations and say they are politically motivated.
—Agencies