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- Name: Mohammed Abdulqader Al Jasem
- Country: Kuwait
- Status: Free
Mohammed Abdulqader Al-Jasem, a prominent Kuwaiti lawyer, journalist and blogger, was imprisoned on May 11 for criticizing his country’s government. Al-Jasem, 54, has published six books on democracy and Middle Eastern politics and served as editor of Newsweek Arabic, Arab Reform Bulletin, and Al-Watan Daily.
The charges against Al-Jasem include "instigating to overthrow the regime and dismantle the foundations of Kuwaiti society" and "disseminating false information that will undermine the dignity of the state abroad." In truth, his articles merely criticized the Kuwaiti Prime Minister and questioned Iranian influence in Kuwait. If convicted, Al-Jasem could be imprisoned for up to 18 years. Kuwait's Prime Minister, Sheikh Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, is demanding that Al-Jasem compensate him with $15,000.
Mohamed's daughter, Laila, wrote the Kuwaiti Prime Minister asking, "Do you aspire to imprison everyone who expresses his or her opinions? When will it end? Will this be the fate of every reformer who expresses his or her opinion? Is there enough room for them in Kuwaiti prisons? For they are a lot...I know that my father taught me how to be persistent in my opinions, how to sacrifice for the sake of my country, and what pride and glory truly mean. What did you teach me, Sheikh? Did you want to teach me that my father's detainment is a source of pride for you? Do you want to teach others, and me that Kuwait will be more sophisticated and open as a result of my father's detainment?"
On June 26, human rights organizations together with Al-Jasem’s lawyers and doctors were able to convince the court that his health had deteriorated sharply since his arrest in May and he was conditionally released after 49 days in detention. Al Jasem's trial has been postponed to September 20. Until then, prosecutors have asked the information ministry to maintain the media coverage ban that has been in effect since May 24.
The arrest and trial of Al-Jasem is a supreme violation of man's most basic rights and it reminds us that Kuwait, though more open than most other Middle Eastern dictatorships, still has a long way to go.
CyberDissidents.org is planning a series of protests at the Kuwaiti consulate in New York at 321 E. 44th Street (between 1st and 2nd Avenues). and at dozens of universities throughout North America. The dates of the campaign will be finalized shortly.
Freedom of expression is a universal and unalienable right. Please join us in protesting Kuwaiti repression. Al-Jasem's fate depends on it.
